FNJ Condemns Nepal Court News Deletion: Press Freedom Battle
11th June 2025, Kathmandu
The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) has expressed strong opposition to a recent court order demanding the removal of news articles from online platforms.
FNJ Condemns Court News Deletion
The FNJ considers this judicial directive a threat to press freedom and contrary to Nepal’s Constitution and international media rights standards.
Court Issues Interim Order Against NepalKhabar And Bizmandu
On Tuesday, the Kathmandu District Court issued an interim injunction against two online news portals, NepalKhabar.com and Bizmandu.com. The order required them to delete news stories related to Santosh Narayan Shrestha, Chairman of the Nepal Securities Board. Additionally, the court barred these sites from publishing further material on this topic.
This order followed a writ petition filed by Santosh Narayan Shrestha, who claimed the published news was false and damaging. Judge Pitambar Sharma, presiding over the case, ruled that immediate removal was necessary to prevent “irreparable harm” to the petitioner.
FNJ Highlights Constitutional Press Freedom
In response, the FNJ issued a press release on Wednesday, highlighting its serious concern. The union emphasized that the Constitution of Nepal 2072 guarantees full press freedom. According to FNJ, no authority or institution can restrict this fundamental right through judicial orders like the recent one.
Moreover, the FNJ pointed out that press complaints and media regulation fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Press Council Nepal. The council holds constitutional power to investigate and take action against media outlets when necessary. Thus, the court’s order bypassed the proper legal mechanism for media oversight.
International Norms And Democratic Principles Ignored
FNJ General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal stressed that the court’s decision disregards international press freedom standards. He also noted that the order conflicts with the spirit and provisions of Nepal’s Constitution. Dahal reaffirmed that while courts’ decisions deserve respect in a democracy, this specific order contradicts established press freedom norms and practices.
The union warned that such judicial interference risks setting a dangerous precedent. It could lead to excessive censorship and weaken independent journalism, which is vital for Nepal’s democratic development.
Legal And Democratic Concerns Raised
The court ruled based on the petitioner’s claim of irreparable damage caused by “unverified” and “false” news published online. However, the FNJ argued that handling such grievances through the Press Council would be more appropriate. The council is designed to address media complaints fairly without threatening constitutional press rights.
The FNJ also noted that judicial orders targeting news removal may limit freedom of expression and hinder the media’s watchdog role. This has serious implications for transparency, accountability, and democracy in Nepal.
Calls For Reconsideration And Potential Legal Action
The FNJ has formally requested the court to reconsider the interim order. It warned that if the order remains, the union will be forced to initiate legal and other actions to protect press freedom. The FNJ urged all stakeholders to respect constitutional safeguards and international standards for media rights.
Media And Journalist Groups Unite In Opposition
Following the FNJ’s lead, other journalists and media organizations have publicly opposed the court order. They view it as a challenge to media independence and a threat to democratic values. These groups emphasize that ensuring press freedom is essential for a free society and a functioning democracy.
Press Council’s Role In Media Complaints
According to Nepal’s legal framework, the Press Council holds the authority to handle complaints about news accuracy and media conduct. The council investigates issues and can impose sanctions if needed. The FNJ criticized the court for overlooking this institutional role by directly ordering news removal.
Constitutional Guarantee Of Full Press Freedom
Nepal’s Constitution explicitly guarantees complete press freedom. This constitutional protection aims to prevent undue restrictions on journalism by any authority. The FNJ reaffirmed that such freedoms cannot be curtailed by interim court orders or similar directives.
Democracy And Judiciary: Balancing Act
While the FNJ respects the judiciary’s role in a democracy, it insists that court decisions must align with constitutional rights and media freedom norms. The union believes the current order fails to maintain this balance and calls for renewed dialogue between the courts, media regulators, and journalists.
Summary
In summary, the Federation of Nepalese Journalists has condemned the Kathmandu District Court’s interim order directing NepalKhabar and Bizmandu to delete news articles. The FNJ views the ruling as unconstitutional, an infringement on press freedom, and a violation of international standards.
It urges the court to reconsider and stresses that the Press Council holds the proper authority over media complaints. Multiple journalist groups have also voiced opposition, highlighting the importance of protecting media independence for Nepal’s democratic future.
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