Statute of limitation should be decided by the Parliament: CIAA Chief

Kathmandu, August 15: Chief Commissioner of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Prem Kumar Rai has suggested that Parliament should decide on implementing a five-year statute of limitation for investigating corruption cases.

During a discussion on the 'Amendment Bill of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2059' at the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee meeting of the House of Representatives on Thursday, Rai emphasized that it is within Parliament's authority to set this time limit.

Rai stated that while the proposed amendment suggests a five-year limit for investigations, this provision should only be enacted if it does not lead to complications.

He pointed out that there is no such limit on losses to government property. Rai remarked, "Many scholars have weighed in on this issue, so it is appropriate for Parliament to carefully consider it."

The Amendment Bill proposes that the statute of limitations for prosecuting corruption-related offenses be set at five years from the date the offense is known.

 Former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda was also present at the committee meeting on Thursday.