Legal History
Edited by advocate Prakash Osti, the book is a compilation of important historical documents related to laws
The history of legal documentation in Nepal is very old as the country has about a century long written history and documents. One can find these documents scattered in various books and booklets.
From the period of Licchivi to present Shaha Dynasty, different kings of Nepal proclaimed various laws to organize the society and social hierarchy in the context of state. Thanks to advocate Prakash Osti, editor of Kannoon- a popular-bimonthly legal magazine, the new book has come in the market that compiles all the legal documents including royal declarations and proclamations by various rulers ranging from Jayasthiti Malla to the recent proclamation of King Gyanendra.
For lawyers and other common people, this is the first of its kind book, which includes almost all the legal systems, proclamations, laws that existed in various dynasties and historical phases of Nepal . Whether it was Malla King Jayasthiti Malla or the present Shaha King Gyanendra, there are written documents of all major decisions taken by them. This is what one can read in the book edited by advocate Osti.
Passing through a very crucial stage of history, Nepal 's present legal system found enough time to evolve to take present shape. Although it is different than other western concepts, the legal documents of Nepal represent its indigenous method.
The book includes legal documents, Royal proclamations, historical announcements, reports of the high level committees and laws. Citing various sources and books written in various period of times, advocate Osti's book helps to understand Nepal 's indigenous evolution of laws. From Brian Hodgson's Administration of Justice in Nepal to French Scholar Silvy Levi's An Account of Nepal, Osti has compiled all important documents in his book.
One of the important aspects of the book is that one can find all historically important legal documents in a single book. For the students of law, legal practitioners, journalists, historians, scholars and other administrative officers, this is going to be very useful.
Nepal has gone through various phases and seen many dynasties as well as their systems. Today's Nepal 's legal documents are the result of the efforts made by all different rules of historical period. Introducing civil code, which is equivalent to the common law, Jayasthiti Malla had opened the new chapter for crime and punishment in Nepal . Ram Shaha of Gurkha issued another proclamation adding another dimension in justice administration.
From collection to publication, the work to publish the book in this form requires high level of dedication and energy. Advocate Osti proves that nothing can hinder a person who has dedication and commitment to do something.
"Many of our historically important documents have already been destroyed but there are still many important documents scattered in various places. This book is our small effort to preserve our historically important legal documents, proclamations and decisions," said editor Osti. “Our aim is to preserve the historical evidence and publish it to broader interest of people."
A country is not only the existence of physical space but it also includes history and historical evolution of rulers, socio-cultural development, state of society and others. From ruling to administration and judiciary, Nepal has its own long history. Though they are insignificant in the present context of society, some events in the history were revolutionary if viewed from the context of the situation of that period. The abolition of slavery by then Rana Prime minister Chandra Sumsher, nearly 100 years ago, is an example. After reading the book, one can acquire knowledge about such important phases of Nepal .
