Should someone accused of wrongdoing be publicly cleared if found innocent? The National Council’s Good Governance Committee says failing to do so can leave individuals or businesses defamed and psychologically affected, even after being proven innocent. This was discussed today during the deliberation on the Review report of the Anti-Corruption Commission’s Annual Report 2024-2025.
During the session, Thimphu MP Leki Tshering, noted that while field observations in the review report addresses the need for public clarification, this point is not clearly reflected in the committee’s recommendations.
“This point is not clearly reflected in the recommendations. Since the issue has been identified but not incorporated into the recommendations, I believe it should be included. I would, therefore, like the committee to advise on whether this point can be added to the recommendations, or to explain why it cannot be included.”
To this the Good Governance Committee’s chairperson said a meeting with the committee and the Anti-Corruption Commission will soon be held to address the issue.
Kencho Tshering, the Chairperson of Good Governance Committee, National Council said,“We discussed this matter extensively within the committee and concluded that there is no need to submit it as a formal recommendation to the government. Instead, we agreed that the issue can be addressed through direct engagement with the commission to determine appropriate actions going forward.”
The chairperson noted that this highlights the need to strengthen the system. He added that while the media has so far been responsible for publicly informing when someone is found innocent, the commission itself does not make such declarations.
The chairperson added that the media should continue playing this important role in ensuring transparency.
Tashi Dekar/Namgay Wangdi
