Judicial Committee: Guidance Release Reconciliation is simpler, easier, and more accessible than the decision-making process. This is the way the Judicial Committee of Kathmandu Metropolitan City plans to provide guidance at all local levels.
On Magh 30, 2081, Kathmandu Metropolitan City officially released the book ‘Judicial Committee: Guidance,’ a comprehensive document aimed at strengthening the reconciliation process at the local level.
The book was released at the 'Judicial Committee Guidance Release Ceremony along with various programs to promote reconciliation' organized at the National Assembly Building. Senior-most judge of the Supreme Court Sapana Malla Pradhan, Mayor of the Metropolitan City Balendra Shah (Balen), Chairman of the Special Court Kathmandu Tek Narayan Kunwar, constitutional expert Kashiraj Dahal, Chairman of the Nepal Municipal Association Bhim Dhungana, Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol, and other officials jointly released the book.
Empowering Local Mediation
At the ceremony, Mayor of the Metropolitan City Shah administered the oath to the listed mediators. The Metropolitan City has listed 125 mediators to conduct mediation at the Ward Mediation Center and the Mediation Center at the center. A music video produced by the Metropolitan City to promote mediation was also made public at the ceremony. Similarly, a brief video of the Judicial Conference and audiovisual materials related to the work done by the Judicial Committee were presented.
Origin and Purpose of the Guidelines
Kathmandu Metropolitan City organized the first national conference of the Judicial Committee in Kathmandu on Chaitra 15 and 16, 2079. The conference, organized with the objective of sharing experiences, learnings, and experiences related to the work done by the Judicial Committee in resolving local disputes, successes achieved, problems, and challenges faced, issued an 11-point '11-Point Kathmandu Declaration.' The conference, organized with the expectation of further clarification among the officials of the Judicial Committee on the jurisdiction, role of the Committee, and laws related to the Committee, included presentations, comments, and interactive discussions on disputes that can be resolved through mediation and the methods to be adopted for this, mediation and decision-making processes.
The guidelines include the conclusions of the conference and the process. It is expected that this will guide the common path that the committee should follow even amidst geographical, social, and economic diversity. The Metropolitan City plans to distribute this book to all local levels.
Voices from the Ceremony
Justice Sapana Malla Pradhan (Supreme Court): “Justice delivered at the local level—by people who understand the community—is often more effective. Many decisions by the Judicial Committees have not only resolved disputes but have also been upheld during appeals. This shows their capacity. We must invest in building their capability further.”
Mayor Balen Shah: “Nepal’s judicial system often struggles to deliver timely justice. The local-level experience offers valuable lessons for the entire justice sector. These guidelines will help standardize procedures and connect local users to the broader judicial system—district, high, and Supreme Court levels.”
Kashiraj Dahal (Constitutional Expert): “This publication is a major step forward. In the absence of well-documented practices, it fills a gap by connecting historical justice practices with modern systems. This is more than just a guide; it's a record of our evolving local judiciary.”
Tek Narayan Kunwar (Special Court Chair): “Justice is about fairness and truth. The Judicial Committees excel at reconciliation, which is their greatest strength. If reconciliation isn’t possible, then the path to a formal decision opens. The guidelines clearly define this process.”
Bhim Dhungana (President, Nepal Municipal Association): “In an environment where the central government isn’t prioritizing judicial training, this document arrives as a practical guide. It provides much-needed support to Judicial Committees during challenging times.”
A Justice System Where Everyone Wins
Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol emphasized the Metropolitan City’s commitment to accessible justice and people-centered legal services.
“We’ve drafted sector-specific laws and ensured that even those without money can access legal support. For us, justice isn’t about one side winning. It’s about creating outcomes where both parties feel heard and supported.”
She expressed her views on free legal services and said, "Since we were elected, we have provided free legal services to 52,740 people." In the current financial year alone, 6,847 people have received services. Lalitpur Metropolitan City Deputy Mayor Manjali Shakya Bajracharya expressed the view that the work of Kathmandu Metropolitan City has encouraged other local levels to do some creative work.
Moving Forward
Kathmandu Metropolitan City continues to lead the way in strengthening local justice systems, promoting reconciliation over litigation, and offering structured learning opportunities for other local governments.
With the launch of these guidelines, a clear, community-focused path has been laid to ensure timely, affordable, and humane access to justice for all.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City in dispute resolution
In Kathmandu Metropolitan City, 33 hearings have been held to resolve 306 disputes to be handled by the Mayor's Bench. Out of these, 174 disputes have been decided. 65 disputes are under settlement. Agreements have been reached in 6. Looking at it this way, 80.06 percent of disputes have been resolved from the chair of the chief. Disputes regarding building construction standards are handled by the Mayor's Bench.
According to Section 47 of the Local Government Operation Act 2074, the jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee, Section 48 on the exercise of jurisdiction, and Section 49 on the process of justice administration, the local-level Judicial Committee works through the process of justice administration. The universal principles of law, the principle of precedent, and the values of existing laws and regulations are the way of the recognition committee. Under this, the Judicial Committee of the Metropolitan City has heard and delivered justice 83 times so far. Out of a total of 608 disputes, 326 disputes have been decided and 141 disputes have been resolved through mediation.
Out of 132 appeals, 15 disputes have been settled at the appeal level. The decisions of 13 Judicial Committees have been upheld by the appellate level. 106 decisions made by the judicial committee have been implemented, while 88 decisions are in the process of implementation. Currently, 140 disputes are under consideration in the Judicial Committee.
Matters related to building construction permits are considered by the bench of the Chief Administrative Officer. Thus far, a final decision has been made in 16 of these disputes.
The nature of local disputes and ways to resolve such disputes are discussed through the Nyaya Chautari program. It has the experience of reducing the distance between individuals in the society as well as possible disputes.
The Metropolitan City has been providing free legal services from legal practitioners to the residents of the metropolis who do not have access to justice due to lack of money. The Metropolitan City has been bearing the expenses for this. This service was launched on 18th Chaitra 2080. Legal and judicial assistance is provided to those who are unable to live within the metropolitan area of Kathmandu, who are in disaster, who are in need of legal services, and who are deprived of getting judicial treatment for the implementation of their rights and rights provided by the constitution and prevailing laws of Nepal due to economic, social, or other reasons. So far, 12 people have benefited from this.
The legal arrangements issued by the Metropolitan City for dispute resolution are the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Dispute Resolution (Procedures) Act, 2075 BS; Human Trafficking and Smuggling Control Procedures, 2078 BS; Ward Women's Network Procedures, 2079 BS; Mediation Center Operation Guidelines, 2079 BS; Home Care Arrangements Guidelines, 2079 BS; Legal Aid Procedures, 2080 BS; Kathmandu Metropolitan City Child Protection and Child Rights Procedures, 2080 BS, and Sathi Metropolitan Procedures, 2081 BS.