14th May 2025, Kathmandu
The Patan High Court has ruled in favor of the Press Council Nepal’s jurisdiction over digital media. This includes online news portals, YouTube, and other social media platforms. The Court’s decision supports the Council’s right to monitor and regulate digital media in Nepal.
Digital Media Regulation Nepal
Court’s Decision on Digital Media Regulation
Justices Munendra Awasthi and Tikaram Acharya issued the ruling. They stated that digital media, such as online news outlets and social media platforms, fall under the Press Council’s authority. This came after a writ petition by Diyo Post, which challenged the Council’s decision to blacklist several digital outlets. Diyo Post had argued that the Press Council did not have the legal authority to regulate digital media.
The Court dismissed the petition, upholding the Council’s jurisdiction. It emphasized that all digital media, including those on social platforms like YouTube and Facebook, must follow the same ethical guidelines as traditional media. The Press Council welcomed this ruling, reinforcing the need for digital media to adhere to journalistic standards.
Diyo Post’s Challenge and the Court’s Rejection
Diyo Post had filed a writ petition after the Press Council blacklisted it for violating ethical journalism standards. The Council had criticized Diyo Post for spreading misleading and exaggerated news. It had also raised concerns about sensational headlines and misleading content.
However, the Court rejected Diyo Post’s petition. The justices confirmed that the Press Council had the authority to regulate online media. This included media that operates through social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube. The ruling made it clear that digital platforms cannot escape the same regulatory framework that applies to traditional media.
Press Council’s Regulatory Role
After the verdict, Press Council Chairman Balakrishna Basnet praised the decision. He explained that the ruling clarified the Press Council’s oversight role. The Court’s decision extended the Council’s authority to include YouTube, Facebook pages, and other digital media platforms. This was a significant victory for the Council, which had already established guidelines for digital media regulation.
The Press Council has been working on digital media regulations for over a year. This ruling now legitimizes its efforts to regulate online news outlets and social media content. The Council had argued that regulating digital platforms was necessary to prevent misinformation and uphold journalistic integrity.
Legal Advisors’ Argument
The Council’s legal team, including advocates Anantaraj Luitel, Jhabindra Bhusal, Liladhar Upadhyaya, Vikas Bhattarai, Kirtinath Sharma Paudel, Pratibha Upreti, and Vishal Thapa, defended the Press Council’s position in court. They argued that digital media outlets were responsible for spreading false information. This, they said, had led to a loss of public trust in the media.
The legal team also argued that these digital platforms were not adhering to journalistic codes of conduct. They highlighted the need for the Press Council to regulate online media to prevent the spread of fake news. By rejecting Diyo Post’s petition, the Court sent a clear message that digital media must comply with the same ethical standards as traditional media.
Implications for Digital Media in Nepal
The Court’s decision is a milestone for digital media regulation in Nepal. It gives the Press Council the authority to oversee not just traditional news outlets but also social media platforms. This means that Facebook pages, YouTube channels, and other online platforms must now comply with the same journalistic rules.
The ruling is expected to have a significant impact on how digital media operates in Nepal. Online news platforms will be required to follow ethical guidelines set by the Press Council. These guidelines will ensure that digital media outlets contribute to responsible journalism.
The Press Council has already put in place a framework to monitor and regulate digital media. This includes procedures for addressing violations of the ethical code. With the Court’s decision, the Council now has the legal backing to enforce these rules.
What’s Next for Digital Media
The Court’s ruling clarifies the role of the Press Council in regulating digital media. This decision is likely to shape the future of media regulation in Nepal. As digital platforms continue to grow, the Press Council will play a more significant role in ensuring that these platforms follow ethical guidelines.
The ruling also signals the increasing importance of regulating online media. As more people turn to digital platforms for news and information, the need for oversight becomes more urgent. The Press Council’s ability to regulate digital media will help ensure that information shared online is accurate and responsible.
Conclusion
The Patan High Court’s ruling confirms that the Press Council has the authority to regulate digital media in Nepal. This includes online news portals and social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook. The decision strengthens the Council’s role in ensuring that all media, traditional and digital, adhere to ethical standards. As digital media continues to expand, the Press Council’s regulatory authority will be crucial in maintaining trust and integrity in Nepal’s media landscape.
For more: Digital Media Regulation Nepal