December 29: The National Council discussed the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) Bill today. Extensive deliberations were held following the presentation of the Bill by the Chief of Police.

The Chief of Police Colonel Kipchu Namgyel said the Bill was drafted following the command of His Majesty the Fourth King in 2005.

He said the Bill is a revision of the RBP Act of 1980. The Chief of Police said the 1980 Act is over 28-years-old and there are many provisions in the Act that needs to be revised.

Colonel Kipchu Namgyel said with the introduction of the parliamentary democracy and adoption of the Constitution the revision of the Royal Bhutan Police Act of 1980 has become necessary.

While drafting the Bill, The Police Chief said the 1980 Act and other Acts from different countries were referred. He said the bill has also been put up in the cabinet for discussions.