Stakeholders Suggest Separate Law for DNA in Nepal

Kathmandu. Stakeholders have suggested the government make a separate law for DNA.

Participants in a discussion on the National Forensic Science Laboratory Bill held in Kathmandu gave this suggestion. They emphasized the need to create a structure by enacting a separate law regarding DNA as Nepal lacks the necessary manpower and capacity.

Forensic expert Dr. Harihar Basti, speaking at the program, stated that there is a lack of skilled manpower in DNA in Nepal. He emphasized that the law related to forensic science laboratory should include provisions for examination through fingerprints. Despite the DNA lab being operational in Nepal for 63 years, there is still a lack of skilled manpower, hence the emphasis on moving forward only after creating a separate structure and manpower for DNA. He said that although DNA can assist in delivering justice through scientific methods and procedures for evidence collection, analysis, and testing, Nepal lacks skilled manpower.

Monika Jha, Executive Director of the National Forensic Science Laboratory, emphasized the need to include provisions for punishment and reward in the bill to make employees working in the forensic science laboratory accountable. She stated that the state must be aware that employees could become unruly if the provisions for punishment and penalty are not implemented through law.

Speaking at the interaction program, MP Ojashwi Sherchan noted that the bill has loopholes to be implemented through rules and regulations regarding sensitive issues related to forensic science, and expressed the view that the bill should be made complete. She emphasized the need to move forward by making clear laws regarding the experience limit and tenure of experts working in the forensic science laboratory.

The then government had advanced the bill to assist in delivering justice by collecting, analyzing, and testing evidence through scientific methods and procedures for objects received for testing at the National Forensic Science Laboratory, including biological or inanimate objects, evidence, documents, goods, physical objects, and electronic materials or research-related items.