Theory and practice of plea bargaining in Nepal

The plea bargaining system stands as a cornerstone within the criminal justice system , exerting a profound impact on both defendants and the legal framework at large. This arrangement unfolds as a negotiation between the prosecutor and the defendant. In this agreement, the accused consents to pleading guilty, either to certain charges or the original accusation, in exchange for concessions granted by the prosecutors in the criminal case.

Plea bargaining has been the concept in criminal law in Nepal since ancient times, dating back to the Vedic period . The Dharamashastras, in a chapter titled Prayaschita , suggested various forms of self-purification through confessing guilt, which could lead to reduced penalties.