NOBLE WISH
The Kathmandu
Post
21 August 2015
NOBLE WISH
Narayan Manandhar in his article
“Abuse of authority” (August 12. Page 6) writes “If an executive
can override the decision of the court, where is the rule of law in Nepal?” In the
name of the republic, senior political leaders seem to be undermining the universally
accepted norms and values of democracy. If such irresponsible acts continue,
there are high chances that Nepal
will soon lose the essence of democracy in the coming days.
Considering the growing institutionalization
of corruption taking place in the political, bureaucratic and private
organizations, Nepal
definitely needs a strong, independent, autonomous, impartial and accountable
anti-graft body. However, the practice of political bhagbnada, while appointing
members, has completely undermined the formation of independent and autonomous
constitutional bodies. If this persists, the future Commission for the
Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) will be rendered even ineffective.
Followed by a strong public
outcry and a kind of “note of dissent” from the CIAA, it is a relief that the
drafters of the new constitution agreed to restore the CIAA’s existing
jurisdiction Otherwise, they would have decided to curtail its power to
investigate acts of wrongdoings of public officials giving them more liberty to
engage in corruption. It seems as though the drafters of the new constitution
were more driven by a desire to control the CIAA than empowering and equipping
it with additional jurisdictions. Nonetheless, one cannot help but hope that eventually
political leaders will realize the effective role of the CIAA and work towards
making it completely independent and autonomous body.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj.
