Kathmandu's District Court Launches Family Court Initiative

Kathmandu, 10 October 2023 - In a significant move to streamline the judiciary process, Kathmandu's District Court introduced its Family Court on 9th October 2023. This initiative was marked by a ceremony graced by Chief Justice Vishwambhar Prasad Shrestha, who emphasized the importance of the newly established court.

Driving Faster Justice

The Chief Justice highlighted the significance of the Family Court in ensuring rapid and efficient dispensation of justice, particularly in sensitive cases involving women and children. The court is primarily aimed at:

• Women-centric Cases: Addressing matters that pertain to the rights and concerns of women.
• Domestic Issues: Handling cases related to relationships and domestic violence.
• Child-focused Cases: Deliberating on issues concerning children's interests, well-being, and care.

A Vision Brought to Life

Expressing his satisfaction at the commencement of the Family Court, Chief Justice Shrestha stated, "I had envisioned the establishment of two family benches in Kathmandu's district court during my parliamentary hearing. Today, we've brought that vision to fruition."

He emphasized the uniqueness and timeliness of this initiative in the judiciary system's history. He said, "Given the extensive caseload in Kathmandu, the Family Court aims to alleviate the pressures and offer swift, reliable justice to women seeking legal redress."

An Appeal to the Judges

Chief Justice Shrestha urged the judges presiding over the Family Court to stay true to its core objective. He stressed, "Judges should interpret and deliver verdicts in alignment with the court's purpose, ensuring timely justice, especially for women."

Expansion on the Horizon

While the Family Court takes its initial steps in Kathmandu, there are plans in the pipeline to expand this bench arrangement to other district courts, including Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. This move underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing pressing societal issues head-on and signifies a promising step towards efficient and compassionate justice.