Aug 24, Kathmandu - During a session in the Nepali Parliament, lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties emphasized the urgent need to amend laws to impose the death penalty on individuals convicted of rape. The discussion was sparked by the tragic murder and rape of Garima Chaudhary, which has reignited calls for stringent justice.

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) MP Shraddha Kunwar highlighted that the current legal provisions under Articles 16 and 17 of the constitution prohibit death penalty and exile, but emphasized that such laws should not hinder justice, especially in heinous crimes like rape. She argued that the severity and nature of crimes vary, and perpetrators of grave offenses like rape should face the harshest punishments to serve as a strong deterrent.

MP Kunwar also recounted the painful societal realities faced by women, from birth to marriage, including societal violence, discrimination, and domestic abuse, underscoring the need for stronger legal protections.

Opposition MP Shahjahan Khatun stressed that there should be no leniency for heinous crimes such as rape and murder, urging for legal reforms that include the death penalty for such offenses. She emphasized that victims and their families, like those of Nirmala Panta and Garima Chaudhary, are waiting for justice, which can only be achieved through strict legal amendments.

RSP MP Som Sharma called for comprehensive legislation not only to punish rapists but also to instill fear among those contemplating such crimes. He urged all 274 members to work together in Parliament to create laws that make potential offenders think twice, ensuring society’s safety and justice.