Capital punishment in Nepal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Human rights in Nepal
• Judiciary of Nepal
• Constitution of Nepal
• Crime in Nepal