Online portal launched to encourage public participation in lawmaking

KATHMANDU: Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobita Gautam has announced the launch of a new online suggestion portal aimed at making the law-making process more inclusive, transparent, and technology-friendly.

Presenting the ministry’s progress report, Minister Gautam said the platform allows citizens and lawmakers to directly submit feedback on draft laws currently under consideration.

The portal, accessible through the ministry’s official website, also enables users to review and comment on existing laws as well as newly prepared legislative drafts.

She said the initiative is designed to encourage informed civic participation under the concept of “Know Your Law,” enabling citizens to study legal provisions, including clauses and sub-clauses, before submitting meaningful suggestions.

During the briefing, Minister Gautam also addressed several policy concerns, including the role of telecommunications authorities in cybercrime cases and issues related to medical negligence.

She stressed the need for compensation mechanisms in cases where patient deaths occur due to proven medical errors, while also calling for strict legal safeguards to prevent harassment or mob attacks against healthcare professionals in cases of minor human error.

“The ministry’s role is primarily focused on policy formulation. We forward complaints to relevant ministries and ensure that public feedback is incorporated during long-term legal reforms,” she said.

She further noted that despite limited budget and resources, the ministry has been effectively utilizing available staff and interns to enhance performance.

Currently, the ministry is working on the revision and drafting of several key legal frameworks, including the Mediation Act, five chapters of the Muluki Criminal Code, the Free Legal Aid Act, and laws related to infrastructure tribunals.