Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed strong displeasure with the bill which includes provisions that authorize the government to withdraw cases in order to integrate violent groups into the peaceful political mainstream.
The commission has raised serious concerns over the potential impact of the proposed bill on transitional justice. It argues that the provisions contradict the values, norms, and principles of criminal justice and may foster an environment of impunity.
The bill proposes that if any political party or group, engaged in violent activities expressing dissent on the country’s political system, decides to transition into peaceful politics, cases against its members that are sub judice in any court can be withdrawn by the government.
The NHRC warns that this provision could shield individuals responsible for violent and serious criminal offenses, providing them with a political cover to evade legal consequences.
Moreover, the commission highlights that if the bill is passed, even perpetrators of heinous crimes such as the Gaur massacre, killings during the Maoist insurgency, sexual violence, and forced disappearances may escape accountability and enjoy impunity.
The NHRC further said that passing the bill as it stands would render transitional justice mechanisms ineffective, depriving conflict victims of justice they have sought for the past 17 years. It firmly believes that withdrawing cases under political cover will only serve to promote impunity and hinder the pursuit of justice for those affected by the conflict.
