Kathmandu, July 8
The Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee in the House of Representatives has decided to propose increasing the statute of limitations for rape in the country’s criminal law.
Following the revelation of an eight-year-old rape case by a beauty pageant organiser a few months ago, there is mounting pressure on the government to remove the provision of the statute of limitations altogether. But, the government has already clarified that it will not decide anything in haste.
According to the National Penal Code Act 2017, chapter 18, section 229 (2), the Statute of Limitations, a rape case must be filed within a year of the occurrence if the survivor is an adult, and within a year of the survivor turning 18 if the survivor is a minor.
But, the House panel today decided to change it to two years if the survivor is an adult, and three years of the survivor turning 18 if s/he is a minor.
If someone survives rape during a jail term or in other captivity, they can file the complaints within two years and three months of the release.
The limit will be three years for people with disabilities, and senior citizens.
The amendments will come into effect once the full House approve them.
