Special Court Achieves Significant Revenue Growth and Case Resolution

Kathmandu. The Special Court has achieved significant progress in collecting revenue during the execution of its judgments. In the last fiscal year, the court collected revenue of Rs 3 crore 8 lakh 95 thousand 68 rupees and 33 paisa, which is 219.78 percent more than the previous year. This data was made public on Friday by Krishna Sharan Lamichhane, Upper Registrar and Spokesperson of the Special Court, at a press conference.< p>

On the occasion, he also provided information about the damage caused to the court's performance and physical infrastructure due to the 'Genji movement' held on Bhadra 23 and 24. Spokesperson Lamichhane stated that the court's services have been restored to their previous state after the reconstruction and repair of the court damaged by vandalism, arson, and looting during the movement.< p>

The reconstruction of the damaged structures was supported by the Government of Nepal, Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, Federal Secretariat Construction and Management Office, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, and Tokha Municipality. Similarly, the court stated that the service delivery has been resumed with the receipt of necessary information technology equipment such as computers, scanners, printers, TV screens, CCTV, and intercoms with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).< p>

• Disruption in Performance Due to Movement

Spokesperson Lamichhane mentioned that the damaged physical structures were cleaned and made operational through the collective initiative of judges, staff, and the Special Bar Association. Although the transfer of judges in mid-Shrawan and the subsequent movement caused some hindrance to the performance, the court has achieved success according to its goals, he said.< p>

Spokesperson Lamichhane said, 'There has been significant progress in revenue collection from the execution of sentences up to the fiscal year 2082/83.' He added, 'The court's physical infrastructure and various equipment were severely damaged due to the movement on Bhadra 23-24, but we immediately prioritized restoration and repair.'< p>

He claimed that despite the obstruction in regular case disposal for about four to five months due to the appointment of new judges and the movement, the court has achieved remarkable success.< p>

• 155 Cases Resolved Out of 261 Total Cases

In the last fiscal year, 82 cases were carried over to the Special Court. Out of a total of 261 cases, including 179 registered this year, 155 cases have been resolved. This is 59.38 percent of the total backlog. Only 106 cases remain to be resolved. The court stated that 155 cases, or 83.76 percent of the annual disposal target of 185 cases, were achieved last year.< p>

• Journalists Invited to Observe Court Proceedings Directly

Sudarshan Dev Bhatta, Chairman and Judge of the Special Court, urged media persons to directly observe the court proceedings to make the judicial process more transparent and clear. He also invited media persons to directly observe the 'Gola Process,' which is considered the starting point of daily work.< p>

Discussing his workload and constraints, Chairman Bhatta said, 'Among us six judges, three are assigned to benches, and three are engaged in other work. The determination of which case falls into which bench is made through the Gola Process.'< p>

Clarifying the time pressure, he added, 'Judges assigned to benches have the responsibility to issue orders on the same day after hearing the arguments and statements. If today's work cannot be completed for some reason and there is a public holiday tomorrow or the day after, further delays may occur.'< p>

The court aims to become a 'Smart Court' in the future and has committed to not letting legal deadlines for cases expire. However, the court stated that the lack of a suitable building, insufficient budget, and lack of resources to motivate the workforce still persist.< p>