A resolution against the one year statute of limitations on rape was tabled in the House of Representatives on Monday by Lawmaker Dila Sangraula. The motion was backed by lawmakers Rangamati Shahi, Sujata Pariyar and Pramila Rai.

The lawmakers demanded an amendment to the Criminal Code Act – 2017 – allowing rape victims more than one year’s time to seek justice.

Nepal’s one year statute of limitations during rape incidents has recently come into highlight after a woman came forward on social media expressing her harrowing incident of rape and continued episodes of trauma after the incident. Citizens, shocked by the sexual harassment she was subjected to, were further apalled when they learnt that Nepal’s statute of limitations would prevent her from accessing justice.

Rape victims in Nepal have one year time from the day of the incident to file a report – in the case of minors, they have one year from the date of their eighteenth birthday.

Protesters took to the streets – and lawmakers then, to the government. 

Secretariat of the Federal Parliament will now move ahead the process to discuss the motion after a consultation with the concerned ministry. The motion tabled in the Parliament on Monday also seeks free treatment and counselling to rape victims as a  passage towards safe and proper rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Deuba, while attending a program on the occasion of 4th National Women Rights Day assured the government will amend the statute of limitations on rape case complaints.

“We will withdraw the statute of limitation for rape cases and the process for this will be forwarded soon”, he said.