Court and Jail Visit - Experience and Overall Achievements

The educational visit to Nuwakot was one of the most enriching experiences of my academic journey as a law student. While the primary objective of the visit was to fulfill the practical requirements of the Clinical Law subject, it provided me with much more than academic credit. It allowed me to witness the practical operation of Nepal’s justice system and understand how legal principles are implemented in real-life situations. The visit to the Nuwakot District Court helped me understand the administrative and judicial functions of the court. Interacting with court officials such as the Shrestadar, Tahasildar, and District Attorney enabled me to gain firsthand knowledge about court administration, execution of judgments, and the responsibilities of various legal professionals. This experience helped bridge the gap between theoretical legal education and practical application. Similarly, the visit to the District Government Attorney Office was highly informative. I learned how criminal prosecution begins, how statements are recorded, and how the rights of suspects are protected during investigations. Understanding the supervisory role of the Office of the Attorney General also enhanced my knowledge of Nepal’s prosecution system. The most memorable and impactful part of the visit was the exploration of the Central Jail of Nuwakot. Before the visit, I had a common perception that prisons were primarily harsh places designed only for punishment. However, my perspective changed significantly after observing the prison environment. Rather than appearing solely as a place of suffering, the prison resembled a well-managed community where inmates were engaged in various constructive activities. Seeing prisoners participate in poultry farming, carpentry, cotton-wick production, and other skilled work made me realize that modern correctional institutions focus not only on punishment but also on rehabilitation and reintegration. One of the moments that particularly attracted my attention was hearing a prisoner playing the sarangi. The sound reflected that even within confinement, individuals possess talents, emotions, and aspirations. This experience reminded me that prisoners are human beings who deserve opportunities for reform and personal growth. I was also impressed to see inmates participating in recreational activities such as cricket and volleyball, which contribute to their physical and mental well-being. Another interesting observation was the scale and future vision of the Nuwakot Central Jail. Learning that only a portion of the planned area is currently in operation and that there are plans to develop it further, including adopting elements of an open prison system, gave me insight into the evolving concept of correctional administration in Nepal. Overall, this field visit was a valuable learning opportunity that enhanced my practical understanding of the justice system. It strengthened my knowledge of court procedures, prosecution mechanisms, and correctional administration. More importantly, it changed my personal perception of prisons and reinforced my belief that the criminal justice system should focus not only on punishment but also on rehabilitation, human dignity, and social reintegration. The visit successfully connected classroom learning with practical realities and contributed significantly to my academic, professional, and personal development. - Dipesh Shrestha (B.A.LL.B. 2nd Year Student)