Capital punishment in Nepal

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Nepal (orthographic projection)

Capital punishment in Nepal refers to the legal process in which a person is sentenced to death by the state as a punishment for a crime. Nepal has a complex history regarding the use of the death penalty, which has evolved significantly over time.

History[edit | edit source]

Capital punishment has been a part of Nepalese legal tradition for centuries. During the Malla dynasty and the Shah dynasty, the death penalty was commonly used for serious crimes such as murder and treason. The legal system during these periods was heavily influenced by Hindu law and traditional practices.

Abolition[edit | edit source]

Nepal officially abolished the death penalty in 1997. The decision to abolish capital punishment was influenced by a growing global movement against the death penalty and a desire to align with international human rights standards. The Constitution of Nepal 1990, which was in effect at the time, did not explicitly prohibit the death penalty, but the subsequent legal reforms led to its abolition.

Legal Framework[edit | edit source]

The current Constitution of Nepal 2015 explicitly prohibits the death penalty. Article 16 of the constitution guarantees the right to life, stating that no person shall be deprived of their life except in accordance with the law. This provision effectively ensures that capital punishment cannot be reintroduced in Nepal.

Current Status[edit | edit source]

As of now, Nepal is a death penalty abolitionist country. The maximum punishment for serious crimes, including murder and terrorism, is life imprisonment. The abolition of the death penalty is seen as a significant step towards the protection of human rights in Nepal.

Public Opinion[edit | edit source]

Public opinion on capital punishment in Nepal is mixed. While some segments of the population support the death penalty for heinous crimes, others advocate for its abolition, citing human rights concerns and the potential for judicial errors.

International Relations[edit | edit source]

Nepal's stance on capital punishment aligns with its commitments to various international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Nepal is also a member of the United Nations, which has called for a global moratorium on the death penalty.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD