Subcommittee formed to revise Criminal Code Act Amendment Bill

KATHMANDU: Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak has said that necessary changes will be made to the Bill to Amend Criminal Code Act, 2017, through the cabinet’s Bill Committee by addressing the public concerns, discussions, and debates surrounding the issue.

Following a meeting of the Bill Committee on Tuesday, Lekhak said that a subcommittee has been formed under the committee to further discuss and revise provisions related to polygamy, the legal age of marriage, provisions on anticipatory bail, and suspension or commutation of sentences and fines.

Minister Lekhak, who also heads the Bill Committee, said certain provisions, particularly those relating to pardon, suspension, or alteration of sentences, require additional discussion and revisions.

The meeting reviewed proposed amendments to five different laws: the Criminal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, the Civil Code, the Civil Procedure Code and laws related to sentencing.

Lekhak said the subcommittee will consult the concerned ministries and conduct broader discussions before finalizing the draft amendments.

Likewise, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya said the sub-committee will also discuss and draw necessary conclusions regarding the controversial provision on polygamy. On the issue of marriage age, he said the revised provisions will reflect the Supreme Court’s directives and consultations with relevant stakeholders.