India-Nepal Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement in Criminal Matters

India and Nepal have finalized the Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) Agreement in Criminal Matters, which aims to enhance cross-border cooperation in criminal investigations, evidence sharing, and law enforcement.

Both sides also agreed to expedite the revision of their outdated 1953 Extradition Treaty to address legal and administrative hurdles in extraditing fugitives.

About: A bilateral/multilateral treaty, enables faster, structured cooperation to counter transnational crimes like terrorism, trafficking, smuggling, cybercrime, and financial frauds.
Legal Framework: Legally binding for MLAT countries, ensuring reciprocity; discretionary for non-MLAT countries.
- Until recently, Nepal was the only neighbouring country (except Bhutan) without an MLA pact with India, often inadvertently making it a haven for criminals.
Central Authority (India): Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA); supported by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) when routed via diplomatic channels.
Key MLAT Partners: India has signed MLA treaties with 42 countries (November 2019) including USA (2005), UK (1995), France (2005).

Read More: Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty: India- Poland

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