Ajay Shankar Jha Rupesh

Ajay Shankar Jha "Rupesh" is an accomplished legal professional with extensive experience in criminal defense services in Nepal. As the Executive Director of the Public Defender Society of Nepal (PDS-Nepal) since April 2017, Jha has been instrumental in enhancing the quality and accessibility of legal aid for indigent accused individuals. Concurrently, Jha serves as the Country Director for The International Legal Foundation, a position held since December 2008, overseeing the development of Nepal’s criminal legal aid system and advocating for necessary reforms. Jha has held multiple roles within The International Legal Foundation, including Acting Regional Director and Project In-charge for the Chitwan Project, providing legal representation and leadership throughout these initiatives. Jha holds a Bachelor of Law in Criminology from Nepal Law Campus and a Master of Laws in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Purbanchal University.