A committee has been formed to investigate Attorney General Lungten Dubgyur, following a possible collusion between two suspended High Court justices, the attorney general, and a Kuensel editor. Earlier this month, the Judiciary suspended the two justices of the High Court for causing a deliberate miscarriage of justice in a case of drug smuggling and possession involving two defendants.
Soon after the Judiciary issued a news release suspending two of its justices, the Prime Minister wrote to the Attorney General asking for an explanation about the case.
The attorney general then submitted an explanation to the Prime Minister, following which he submitted a letter of voluntary resignation.
However, the resignation was not considered and the Prime Minister’s Office, as per the Office of the Attorney General Act of Bhutan 2015, formed a committee for a proper hearing.
The outcome of the committee’s decision will determine the next course of action for the attorney general.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the committee can decide as soon as possible.
As per Section 93 of the OAG Act, the attorney general will be removed or will be required to resign if he or she is found violating the code of conduct, and willfully violates any provision of law that substantially and adversely affects the interest of the office.
The Act also states that the attorney general should ensure that no conflict of interest arises between his official duties and private interests, financial or otherwise.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the committee is independent, and their names will not be revealed to prevent influence from the public.
The PMO said additional information will not be shared until the committee makes their decision. Unless the present attorney general is proven guilty, a new attorney general will not be appointed.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Sherub Dorji
