(1) If any foreign state which does not have a bilateral treaty with Nepal regarding the exchange of mutual legal assistance makes a request to the Government of Nepal through diplomatic channels in accordance with sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the Ordinance, the Ministry Will conduct a preliminary study in this regard.
(2) When studying in accordance with sub-rule (1), such foreign state or the authorized body according to the law of that state has given an assurance to provide such assistance through any diplomatic means in case of a request for mutual legal assistance from Nepal in future judicial proceedings of a similar nature and legal assistance in the case of such a request. If it is not seen that there will be an adverse effect on Nepal's sovereignty or public order, the ministry shall send the related details, documents and evidence to the central authority for necessary action along with the recommendation to provide mutual legal assistance on the basis of reciprocity.
(3) If a request is received from the ministry with a recommendation as per sub-rule (2), the central authority shall take action in accordance with section 27 of the Act.
(4) If the ministry finds that it is not possible to provide legal aid on the basis of reciprocity while studying according to sub-rule (1), it shall inform the relevant country and the central authority.
(5) The Ministry shall complete the study as per sub-rule (1) within fifteen days at most from the date of receipt of such request.
(6) According to the Ordinance and this regulation, when any foreign state requests mutual legal assistance from Nepal, it should be done in the format as per Schedule-1.