Nepal and India on Tuesday signed the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters during a function at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Afairs. The agreement will enable the two countries to cooperate in criminal investigations and legal proceedings, according to a statement issued by the Ministry. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in the investigation, prosecution, and judicial processes related to criminal cases, according to a press release from the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.
The agreement was inked on behalf of the government of Nepal by Joint Secretary Binod Kumar Bhattarai, while Indian ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava signed on behalf of the government of India. Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Anil Kumar Sinha, ministry officials, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present on the occasion.
“The agreement is aimed at facilitating the exchange of legal assistance between the two countries on criminal matters, including evidence collection, information sharing and coordination between competent authorities during investigations and court proceedings,” according to the ministry.
The agreement paves way for collecting evidence and exchange of information between the capable officials of the two countries in connection with carrying out investigation of criminal case, making criminal allegation and taking judicial action. It is believed that the agreement will be instrumental in making important contribution towards consolidating rule of law and to promote institutional coordination in judicial administration. It is expected that during the implementation of this agreement the collaboration between central officials of the two countries more consolidated and result oriented.
The agreement will prove to be a milestone to minimize financial crime in Nepal as well as making criminal investigation, accusation and judicial procedure more effective,” said the press release.”This will also help in combating money laundering and financial investment in terrorist activities.”
