Kathmandu, April 12 -- Nepal has introduced a fresh provision in its newly amended anti-corruption law that will penalise public officials not only for the abuse of authority but also for their inaction or indecision.

The amended Anti-Corruption Act-2002, which took five years to pass through the federal parliament, has now come into effect following presidential approval.

Under the new law, any public official who is found to have deliberately delayed decision-making-without valid reason and to benefit themselves or others-resulting in a loss to public institutions or individuals, will be held accountable for the inaction.

Offenders could face up to six-month imprisonment, or a fine of up to Rs50,000, or both, depending on the severit...