The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued verdict directing the government authorities to promulgate the Act for protecting the rights of people who are HIV-positive.

Two-member bench of justices Kalyan Shrestha and Sushila Karki ordered the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Law, Justice and Constituent Assembly Affairs to prepare the bill and table it before the House for endorsement at the earliest possible.

The apex court has also asked the authorities to consult experts and the patients before tabling the bill in the legislature-parliament.

Stating that the HIV+ patients should enjoy equal rights as other citizens, the court ordered the government to ensure end to all discriminatory treatment against them.

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was jointly filed by Nepal Environmental Lawyers’ Association, Chitwan Active Society and Child and Women Empowerment Society seeking the apex court’s intervention in promulgation of laws two and a half years ago. nepalnews.com May 14 09