Law Minister Gautam: Strengthening the Law Commission to Draft All Legislation
Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobita Gautam has emphasized that laws should not only obstruct issues but also provide solutions through proper interpretation. Minister Gautam announced plans to empower the Law Commission by ending the use of external consultants for legal drafting. She also revealed the launch of a new portal where citizens can directly understand laws and offer suggestions on draft legislation. The announcement was made on May 5 in Kathmandu.
Addressing the second Legal Officers’ Conference held in the capital on Saturday, Minister Gautam stressed the need to dispel misconceptions that laws only hinder processes. She stated, “Interpretations should be crafted so that laws do not obstruct but provide solutions. The role of legal officers is crucial for this. The law group within the justice services and the Ministry of Law are the brain of state power. Whether problems arise or improvements are needed, coordination with the law is essential. However, sometimes we hear leaders say, ‘Everything is stuck in the law.'”
Minister Gautam highlighted that the Ministry of Law is engaged in policy work aimed at drafting legislation that reflects direct impact on citizens’ lives and prevents problems. She announced the discontinuation of the longstanding practice of relying on external consultants for legal drafting, stating that all drafts will now be prepared by a strengthened Law Commission. Further, she underscored the necessity for staff dedication and suggestions to build a well-organized, disciplined, and dynamic Ministry of Law under her leadership.
“Let the narrative that ‘law obstructed the work’ be replaced with one that ‘law provided solutions.’ It is your responsibility to prepare statements affirming that all ministries received support, guidance, and solutions from the law, and to operate accordingly. This will lead the country on a positive path,” she added. Minister Gautam also suggested holding senior staff accountable as responsible personnel for any problems encountered during the legislative drafting process.
In addition, Minister Gautam outlined plans to raise public awareness about laws and to ensure citizen representation and direct participation in the law-making process. She explained, “We must connect with the public directly in some way. People need to understand the directives of the law and have opportunities to engage. Citizens are seeking platforms to provide their suggestions, and to address this, we have launched a portal within the Ministry of Law based on two themes to ensure participation.”