Author: Sushmita Dahal

KATHMANDU, JAN 22 – Women activists and lawyers have demanded a separate fast track court to adjudicate the cases of violence against women. Advocate Sharmila Shrestha said some cases even need separate close hearing that the existing legal provision lacks. “The big building of Kathmandu District Court is no secure for conducting hearing that requires confidentiality,” she said. Speakers in a programme organised by National Women Commission on Wednesday said a separate court should be set up to deal with cases related to violence against women. Former lawmaker and advocate Sapana Malla Pradhan said there are instances when police reject to register case related to violence against women. “A separate court should be established that exclusively look into such cases. This will reduce the burden of cases in regular court,” she said. Mohana Ansari, member of National Women Commission said the fast track courts in India, which was set up after the incident of gang rape of a medical student in Delhi last year, has been instrumental in dispensing justice to the victims. “Because of lengthy court proceeding under the current legal system, the victims do not feel justice has been delivered, even if they win the case after years of legal fight,” she said...