Kathmandu, Nepal - Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma has issued a comprehensive 21-point directive aimed at accelerating judicial reforms, improving service delivery, and strengthening public trust in Nepal’s judiciary.
The directive, issued on Monday, places special emphasis on clearing long-pending cases from courts across the country. Subordinate courts have been instructed to prioritize the resolution of cases older than 18 months and two years, with a target of reducing such backlogs to zero within specified timeframes. According to the directive, all cases pending for more than two years are expected to be concluded within the current fiscal year, while cases older than 18 months should be cleared by the end of Poush 2083.
Chief Justice Sharma stressed that enhancing public confidence in the justice system and promoting good governance must remain central priorities of the judiciary. The directive also calls for a zero-tolerance approach toward irregularities, misconduct, and inefficiencies within judicial institutions.
A key component of the reform initiative is the expanded use of information technology. Courts have been directed to strengthen digital communication systems, including notifying litigants about case updates through SMS, email, and other electronic platforms. Inter-court correspondence is also expected to transition increasingly to digital channels.
The directive further encourages the wider adoption of online hearings and video conferencing technologies for witness testimonies, statements, and other judicial proceedings. Courts have also been asked to develop appropriate standards for the live streaming of hearings wherever feasible.
Addressing concerns over delays in the preparation of full-text judgments, the Chief Justice emphasized that court decisions should be completed within legally prescribed timelines. He noted that prolonged delays can undermine access to justice and negatively affect public perceptions of the judiciary.
Special attention has also been given to ensuring timely, sensitive, and victim-friendly justice for women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, economically disadvantaged individuals, and victims of violence.
Legal observers view the directive as a significant step toward modernizing Nepal’s judicial system through greater transparency, accountability, efficiency, and technology-driven service delivery.
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