Legalization of Corruption in Nepal

Aug 22, 2024

Corruption Legalization in Nepal

Overview

  • Recent amendments proposed by KP Oli's government aim to effectively legalize corruption in Nepal.
  • The Anti-Corruption Act, 2059 (2002) is being amended to prevent prosecution of corrupt individuals.
  • If passed, all corruption cases prior to 2077 BS will be dismissed.

Key Points

Historical Context of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2059

  • Enacted during King Gyanendra's rule to prevent and punish corruption.
  • Established punishment guidelines for corrupt activities:
    • Misuse of power for personal gain.
    • Monetary thresholds for punishments:
      • Up to 25,000 rupees: up to 3 months in jail.
      • More than 1 crore rupees: 8 to 10 years in prison.
  • Non-monetary corruption also penalized.

Recent Developments Under KP Oli's Government

  • Concerns arose when corruption cases against UML and Congress leaders surfaced.
  • Corrupt individuals joined forces to amend laws to protect themselves.
  • National Assembly passed the amendment without thorough review, sending it to the House of Representatives.

Current Legislative Status

  • Amendment bill under consideration in the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee.
  • Key members include:
    • Chairperson: Ram Hari Khatiwada (Nepali Congress).
    • Members: Gagan Thapa, Bishwa Prakash Sharma, Prachanda, Rabi Lamichhane.
  • Urgent push from Prime Minister KP Oli for rapid passage.

Controversial Aspects of the Amendment

Clause 16: Statute of Limitations

  • New provision limits corruption case filings to within five years of the incident's discovery.
  • Previous law allowed unlimited time for filing.
  • If passed, will close many historic corruption cases, such as:
    1. Lalita Niwas Land Case: Involving Baburam Bhattarai and others.
    2. Bansbari Land Case: Involving Congress MP Binod Chaudhary.
    3. Wide-Body Aircraft Purchase Scam: A 24 billion rupee scandal.
    4. Other cases, including recent scandals from KP Oli's tenure.

Implications of the Bill

  • Passage of the bill would effectively absolve many politicians from corruption charges.
  • Significant investigations, like Gokul Baskota's case, would be dismissed.
  • Enabling a culture of impunity among political leaders.

Call to Action

  • Citizens urged to raise their voices against this amendment.
  • Use technology to hold leaders accountable:
    • Contact members of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee.
    • Ask questions regarding the urgency and implications of the bill.
  • Suggestion to collectively communicate through calls and messages, utilizing social media platforms.

Conclusion

  • The urgency to act is critical to prevent the normalization of corruption in Nepal.
  • Viewers encouraged to engage and stay informed through In-depth Story's updates.