The Sarpang District Court has upheld a judgment delivered by the Gelephu Dungkhag Court in a case involving the death of a 16-year-old monk. The appeal was filed by the boy’s mother, who sought a review of the lower court’s findings on criminal responsibility, the severity of the offence, and compensation.
A central issue in the appeal was the allegation that the defendant, a kudung in one of the monastic institutions in Sarpang, his disciplinary actions contributed to the death of the 16-year-old monk.
However, as per the judgement passed by the Sarpang District Court today, the evidence did not establish a direct legal link between the earlier disciplinary incident and suicide.
As per the court, digital evidence collected during the investigation showed that the boy had continued with his daily life for about two weeks after the incident.
The court noted that on the eve of the tragedy, the boy faced separate, immediate personal distress and domestic arguments.
Based on the findings, the court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to directly link the accused’s actions to the suicide and establish criminal responsibility.
The mother also argued that the offence should have been classified as aggravated battery rather than simple battery. While the court condemned the use of excessive force against a minor, it relied on medical examinations that classified the injuries as non-grievous. The court therefore found no legal error in the lower court’s decision to convict under the provision for simple battery.
On compensation, the mother argued that the amount should be determined under Civil Liability Act. The appellate court rejected this claim, stating that the case was prosecuted as a criminal matter and therefore had to follow the compensation and restitution provisions set out in the Penal Code.
The court also acknowledged that financial support had already been provided to the family, including a condolence payment and assistance with funeral and traditional rites expenses.
The family plans to appeal the case to higher courts.
The case came into limelight after reports emerged that a 16-year-old monk had died by suicide in late 2025, weeks after being subjected to physical discipline at a monastic institution.
Following an investigation, the Gelephu Dungkhag Court found a former disciplinarian guilty of simple battery and ordered compensation in accordance with the Penal Code. However, the court ruled that the evidence did not establish criminal responsibility for the boy’s death.
The boy’s mother subsequently appealed the verdict to the Sarpang District Court.
Passang Dorji/Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
