KATHMANDU, 31 May 2021, (TON): On the occasion of Republic Day President Bidhya Devi Bhandari granted amnesty to 430 convicts.

“Eligible jailbirds, were pardoned as per Section 12 of the Senior Citizens Act, Section 37 of the Criminal Offences, Act, Section 45 of the Children’s Act, Rule 3 of the Criminal Offences Rules, and the Supreme Court mandamous order of 3 August 2020, on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers” a press statement issued by the Office of the President.

The convicts were also relieved of fine and principal amount to be paid to the state for the crimes they committed, in addition to the jail sentence handed down to them by various courts.

Nepal has a tradition of granting amnesty to eligible prisoners to mark major festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, Republic Day, National Democracy Day and Constitution Day. The government may recommend to the president to waive off the remaining 60 percent jail term of prisoners, who have been convicted of petty crimes and have already served at least 40 per cent of the sentencing, provided that they have demonstrated good conduct in prison. Similarly, up to 75 per cent the remaining term of jailbirds, who are above 65 years, and have demonstrated good conduct, may be commuted.