On August 28, 2024, the Legislative Committee held a consultation meeting at Lhen-Zom Khangzang, National Assembly, joined by the Chief Commissioner of the Royal Bhutan Police, the Offg Director of the Department of Law and Order, Ministry of Home Affairs,  Registrar General of High Court, and Senior Attorneys from the Office of the Attorney General to discuss in strengthening the Rule of Law, measures to address the recent heinous crimes against Women and Children, and in addressing various concerns in the existing law and policy on varied issues of national importance. The meeting was also attended by the Honorable Deputy Speaker, the Chairperson, and a few members of the Women, Children and Youth Committee of the National Assembly. 

The consultation focused on identifying challenges to the Rule of Law and exploring solutions. Key issues discussed included an analysis of the crimes in the country such as property offenses, chorten vandalism, narcotics drugs, burglary, larceny, and theft offenses,  gang fights, statutory rape, murder, battery, and suicide cases. Despite efforts by the Royal Bhutan Police in advocacy programs, the Committee noted inadequate technical support does impinge upon the effectiveness. The meeting stressed the need for stronger legal measures and a shared responsibility among the agencies Executive and Judiciary, and the Parliament,  as well as the society to combat crime and illegal activities. The stakeholder consultation was found to be promising to implore on potential reforms.

Among many critical issues, the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and security clearances were discussed in impacting the rights and livelihoods of individuals convicted of minor offenses and the need for reviewing the policy on such cooling-off period and expungement of offenses for children as provided under the Child Care and Protection Act 2011 while diversion is being advocated and exercised by investigating and prosecuting agencies. Issues in the Justice Sector System of handling of rape and other sexual offenses cases were highlighted, while also highlighting the aspect of the importance of reintegration programs of Youth and individuals convicted of offenses. The House solicited on how it could enhance its representative, legislative, and oversight mandates to strengthen the external checks and balances of agencies to prevent delays and ensure accountability. It was further noted that while legal frameworks exist, gaps in the adequate implementation of legal provisions provided in the Acts, compromises the implementation.

The Committee urged the relevant agencies to bring forth any additional issues or recommendations in line of Justice Sector Strategies being discussed to enhance the legal system, ensure impartiality, and effectively reduce crime and illegal activities through more robust enforcement and cooperation to garner public trust and confidence in the system.