Kathmandu— Nepal’s Home Minister Sudhan Gurung announced that the government is seriously reviewing cases stemming from the recent Gen Z movement, with a focus on withdrawing charges against innocent individuals and addressing overcrowding in the nation's prisons. Speaking before the House of Representatives Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee, Gurung detailed the formation of a committee tasked with evaluating case withdrawals under existing directives, while also emphasizing that those accused of serious crimes will still be held accountable. The move comes as Nepal seeks to balance justice with concerns over potential abuses of power and deteriorating conditions within its correctional facilities.

Case Review Underway

A committee has been established to examine the withdrawal of cases filed during the Gen Z movement, operating under Section 8 of the Directive on Withdrawing Criminal Cases, 2066. Home Minister Gurung stated that the review process is being conducted “seriously and carefully,” with an expectation of a swift resolution. He stressed the importance of protecting innocent individuals from unjust prosecution while simultaneously ensuring that perpetrators of serious offenses are not allowed to evade justice.

Prison Overcrowding Addressed

The Home Ministry has identified significant overcrowding in Nepal’s prisons as a major concern, with approximately 28,000 inmates currently housed in facilities designed for only around 19,000. Minister Gurung informed the committee that studies will be conducted to assess prison conditions and allocate necessary funding for infrastructure development. He also highlighted existing efforts to provide free legal assistance to financially disadvantaged prisoners through government lawyers.

Regulatory Amendments Planned

Gurung indicated plans to amend relevant legislation based on recommendations from the case review committee, emphasizing the need for timely and effective laws. A proposal has already been submitted to the Council of Ministers regarding amendments to prison-related regulations. The minister also expressed dissatisfaction with instances where Home Ministry officials and police acted solely on complaints, stating that guilt should not be presumed without proven allegations.

Accountability Emphasized

Gurung made it clear that individuals will not be found guilty based on complaints alone, and that no one’s reputation should be damaged before allegations are substantiated. He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring fair treatment under the law while maintaining accountability for criminal actions.

The committee reviewing the cases is expected to submit its findings soon, paving the way for potential amendments to existing regulations and improvements to Nepal’s prison system.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.