Kathmandu, September 20:

The Parliamentary State Affairs Committee (SAC) today finalised the amendment in the bill meant for amending and integrating acts related to the Nepali Army, stipulating a provision for a Military Special Court (MSC). The MSC will be headed by an appellate court judge, and the defence secretary and chief of the Army’s Legal Unit will work as its member. 

This court will look into cases of corruption, theft, torture and disappearance by the army personnel. A panel headed by a Joint Attorney General will be formed to probe and file cases at the MSC. As per the amendment, cases can be filed against the verdict of the MSC in the SC. 

The SAC finalised the document after holding a series of meetings with chief of the Legal Unit of Army Brigadier General BA Kumar Sharma, defence secretary Bishnu Dutta Upreti and the government’s representatives. Cases related to rape and murder of civilians in which Army men are found involved will be tried at civilian courts once the HoR passes the bill. Other cases related to soldiers will be tried at the Summary General Military Court and General Military Court. 

The SAC has agreed with the Nepali Army’s proposal to extend the tenure of senior officers. As per the provision, the tenure of a Lieutenant General can be extended by one year after the completion of his/her normal tenure of two years. A Major General’s tenure can be extended by two years after he/she completes his/her normal tenure of three years.