KATHMANDU: A popular singer finalized her divorce recently, having filed for separation from her husband a few weeks earlier at the Kathmandu District Court.
The news quickly spread across mainstream media, reporting on her petition.
Following the media coverage, both the singer and her ex-husband became targets of online abuse and criticism.
The question arises: Is it justifiable to publish and broadcast news based on a victim’s complaint?
This issue has sparked a debate among intellectuals who are sensitive to the sanctity of marriage and individual privacy.
The discussion has escalated to the point where many argue that media outlets, which delve into and publicize personal relationships, need to be “corrected” or reevaluated.
Recently, the divorce of a leader from the Janamat Party also garnered attention.
This individual, a well-regarded scholar with a doctorate from the U.S. and former NASA employee, is viewed by some as a hero, while others label him a hypocrite.
“Most people aspire to be celebrities, and when they want recognition, they sometimes expose themselves to public scrutiny. But bringing personal matters into the media sphere is crossing a line.”
His wife has accused him of domestic violence, and several mainstream media outlets have been publishing a series of stories on the issue.
Similarly, the divorce of an actress and a producer has become the subject of much media coverage.
Their prolonged legal battle over property division, which spanned five years, finally concluded recently.
The couple has faced considerable criticism, with media portraying the divorce as a scandalous story that completes the media landscape.
Different ‘Divorces’: Focus on divorce settlement
These examples are just a few of the many instances where media obsession with celebrity divorces takes center stage. Even less prominent individuals’ divorce cases often become breaking news.
High-profile separations, including those of political leaders, artists, and writers, quickly become the talk of social media. The media is increasingly hesitant to keep such matters private.
While it’s often said that celebrities have no private lives, to what extent is that true?
Does the public have a right to know about their meals, clothes, opinions on current affairs, and relationships with friends and family?
These aspects are commonly reported. However, when it comes to more intimate details – such as what happens behind closed doors, what goes wrong in a marriage, or the personal weaknesses and betrayals that lead to separation – mainstream media, especially through platforms like YouTube, often prefers to dig deeper into such private matters.
Khabarhub explored this issue by gathering insights from various stakeholders.
News should be written with consent: Dahal
Media expert Taranath Dahal argues that news about personal matters, like celebrity divorces, can be reported if the concerned parties consent.
He explains to Khabarhub, “If the media requests it, the divorce of a celebrity can be covered. It is not unnatural for the media to report on issues of public concern.”
However, Dahal stresses that the media must be mindful of how these issues may affect privacy, and sensitivity is key.
“It’s a matter of social understanding rather than international practice,” he says. “Social norms vary, and it should be viewed legally. Entering someone’s private life without consent is wrong.”
Dahal further emphasizes that if something goes beyond the law, the media will naturally show interest.
He adds, “Media outlets prioritize content based on what viewers, readers, and listeners engage with. It is not wrong to raise topics that the public finds intriguing. Sometimes, individuals themselves bring their personal matters into the public sphere, and the media is simply reflecting this interest.”
He acknowledges that public figures attract attention, noting that society is curious about both the positive and negative aspects of their lives.
Still, Dahal argues that private relationships should not automatically be sensationalized by the media.
“Private matters fall under the right to privacy, which is legally protected for all citizens,” he concludes.
Women’s rights activist Babita Basnet speaks on media’s role in divorce coverage
Women’s rights activist and media worker Babita Basnet says that marriage and divorce are common issues.
“Marriage and divorce are very common, and the media’s role should be to normalize these topics,” she states.
“However, the media keeps reminding people of these issues by repeatedly showcasing the same stories that they claim will eventually be forgotten. Instead, they should be providing an opportunity for people to heal and move on from their pain.”
She questions, “How justified is it to make news by posting photos and videos of couples hugging each other when they are experiencing emotional distress? It leads people into trauma. Digging into someone’s personal life and making it public is a wrong practice, especially when media outlets and social media platforms seem unaware. YouTubers are even more intrusive.”
Basnet emphasizes that the media should be sensitive to both women’s and men’s privacy.
“In our society, it’s not common to marry after living together for years and truly understanding each other. Even after living abroad for years and marrying, couples may later find themselves divorcing. A person’s relationship with their spouse can change at any point, and not all divorces are about violence or mistreatment,” she explains.
Basnet also advises women to be more cautious when posting wedding photos or videos on social media, warning, “It sometimes seems like people are marrying just to post these images. This can lead to lifelong stress.”
She adds that while there’s a possibility of appealing a divorce petition, the law often considers divorce cases in terms of severe issues like food, shelter, or violence.
“However, not every situation involves these extreme factors. A divorce doesn’t always mean abuse, but society often pressures individuals who didn’t face violence to claim it as a reason for separation.”
Basnet calls for legal recognition of separations based on mutual agreement. “Divorce is also tied to matters of property and honor. Some may choose to part ways due to circumstances, but women’s lives are often deeply affected by marriage. It’s challenging for them to remarry, as society tends to view divorce negatively.”
She concludes by saying that there is a stark difference between a woman’s first and second marriage.
“Property is essential for her security, and in our society, a woman’s future is often linked to her marital status.”
Actress Richa Sharma views divorce as an accident
Actress Richa Sharma compares divorce to an accident, stating, “No one gets married with the intention of getting divorced. It’s an accident, and you never know when or how it will happen in someone’s life. Today, we gossip about other people’s divorces, but what will we do if our own marriage ends the same way tomorrow?”
Sharma expresses little interest in the private lives of others, stating, “Personally, I don’t care to know the most confidential details of anyone’s life. When such matters appear in the news, I simply ignore them. I don’t like to make assumptions or negative comments about anyone, and I only take what I find necessary from the news.”
She criticizes the media for creating content purely for views. “Everyone seems interested in the personal lives of artists, from their love affairs to their marriages and children. The media’s job is to communicate topics that interest the public, but it’s time to reconsider which topics to prioritize.”
Sharma adds, “It’s unethical for the media to profit from the most personal aspects of an artist’s life. While some people may be curious, the media should still be responsible about what they choose to highlight.”
She concludes by stating that divorce should not be viewed as a big issue. “It’s natural for a husband and wife to reach a point where they can no longer cooperate. It shouldn’t be treated as a joke.”
Under Section 93 of the Civil Code, 2074 BS, both husbands and wives have the right to file for divorce at any time if they choose. A married couple can seek divorce if they are unable to continue living together.
Sociologist Nirmala Dhakal critiques media’s invasion of privacy in divorce coverage
Sociologist Nirmala Dhakal acknowledges that celebrity divorces often make the news but believes it is wrong for the media to violate privacy by revealing personal details.
“While the public is naturally interested in celebrity divorces, it is not right to invade their privacy during legal proceedings or to file petitions that expose personal matters,” she says.
Dhakal stresses that although celebrity news is part of media content—such as what they wear—it’s wrong to delve too deeply into personal issues.
“Most people aspire to be celebrities, and when they want recognition, they sometimes expose themselves to public scrutiny. But bringing personal matters into the media sphere is crossing a line.”
She adds, “While divorce is a legitimate media topic, the personal details that come with it should remain private, as they impact the individuals involved.”
What does the law say?
In recent years, divorce cases in Nepal have been on the rise. According to the National Identity Card and Registration Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs, which manages centralized data on personal incidents, approximately 37,000 divorce cases were registered in 2080 BS alone.
This is a stark contrast to a decade ago, in 2070 BS, when only 394 divorce cases were registered.
Under Section 93 of the Civil Code, 2074 BS, both husbands and wives have the right to file for divorce at any time if they choose. A married couple can seek divorce if they are unable to continue living together.
Both men and women have the right to apply for divorce; however, separate grounds for divorce are specified for each gender.
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