Kathmandu: The Community Information Network (CIN), operated by the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters, recently organized an expert review and public consultation program on the National Forensic Science Laboratory (Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2081, in Kathmandu, in collaboration with UNDP’s Parliament Support Project. Inclusive dialogue, participatory processes, and evidence-based law-making were emphasized as important foundations for strengthening democratic governance.
During the program, Dr. Ramesh Parajuli, Assistant Campus Chief of Nepal Law Campus, presented the main provisions of the bill. Participants provided important suggestions to make the bill more clear, practical, and implementable. They emphasized the need to clarify legal provisions related to penalties and fines, expansion of jurisdiction, procedural clarity, protection of evidence, and the qualifications, experience, responsibilities, and accountability of laboratory personnel. Suggestions were also made to strengthen the legal, technical, and institutional frameworks to effectively link DNA testing, fingerprinting, scientific evidence collection, analysis, and testing systems with the administration of justice. Stakeholders submitted both oral and written feedback to CIN, which stated that the suggestions will be compiled into a three-page recommendation report and submitted to the relevant parliamentary committee.
The consultation saw the participation of members of the Federal Parliament, forensic science experts, the director of the National Public Health Laboratory, the executive director of the National Forensic Science Laboratory, representatives of the Armed Police Force, the Nepal Bar Association, persons with disabilities, youth groups, legal practitioners, journalists, and other relevant stakeholders.
Dr. Ojashwi Sherchan, Chairperson of the House of Representatives’ Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee, praised CIN’s initiative and expressed commitment to seriously consider the suggestions during the clause-by-clause discussion of the bill in the committee.
