Ncell condemns govt decision to publish share sale probe report

KATHMANDU: Ncell has strongly condemned the government’s decision to make public the ‘Study and Investigation Report on Ncell Share Purchase and Sale’.

Issuing a statement on Thursday, Ncell said it reserves the right to seek legal remedies under applicable national and international laws, treaties and agreements.

“Ncell strongly condemns the government’s decision to publish the report in violation of the right to privacy guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal. The company makes it clear that it reserves its right to seek legal remedies under national and international laws, treaties and agreements,” the company said in its statement.

Ncell said the government’s decision has sent an international message that Nepal is not committed to protecting the confidentiality of investors and their data.

The company argued that the publication of the report could further undermine Nepal’s foreign investment environment.

“It is extremely regrettable that matters legally required to remain confidential were made public without the consent of the concerned individuals, without considering that such disclosure constitutes a criminal offence under prevailing law,” the statement said.

Ncell also argued that the government’s decision to publish the investigation report contradicts a recent court ruling.

According to the company, a writ petition filed at the High Court demanding publication of the investigation committee’s report in the interest of public rights and concern was dismissed by the court on July 15.

Ncell said the decision to publish the report despite the dismissal becoming final was itself contrary to the court’s order.

The company further claimed that information, details and data collected by an investigation committee during its study and investigation are confidential.

Ncell said such information cannot be published or made available to the general public unless authorised by law.

The company maintained that no law gives the government authority to make all information collected during such an investigation publicly accessible.