KATHMANDU: A government-appointed task force has proposed the establishment of dedicated court benches in district courts to hear cooperative fraud cases, aiming to ensure faster justice for victims and better manage the growing caseload.
The recommendation was made in a report prepared by a study committee formed by the Ministry of Land Management, Co-operatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration which concluded that specialised benches are needed for the effective adjudication of cooperative fraud cases.
The ministry has submitted the report to Chief Justice Dr Manoj Sharma.
According to the report, cooperative fraud is a distinct socio-economic crime that differs from ordinary fraud, affecting not only the savings of thousands of depositors but also the country’s financial system and public trust. It recommends giving such cases special judicial priority.
The task force noted that prolonged delays in hearing cooperative fraud cases prevent victims from recovering their savings in time, delay justice and allow accused persons to benefit from lengthy legal proceedings.
The report concludes that dedicated benches are necessary to deliver timely justice to victims and restore public confidence in the cooperative sector.
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