KATHMANDU: The Nepal Press Union has denounced a recent interim order issued by the District Court instructing two digital news outlets—Bizmandu.com and Nepalkhabar.com—to delete published content, saying it violates the spirit of the constitution and digital press freedom.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Union criticized the court’s Tuesday order, stating that it bypassed due process and infringed upon the autonomy of digital media.
The statement, signed by General Secretary Dilip Paudel, stated only the Press Council Nepal has the constitutional mandate to evaluate the factual accuracy of news content.
“The court’s decision to delete news content without verifying its accuracy undermines the essence of digital journalism and contradicts the constitutional provisions,” the statement read.
The Union further expressed concern that such judicial actions could curtail press freedom, calling the order press-freedom-hostile and demanding its reversal.
Additionally, the Press Union voiced alarm over the issuance of an arrest warrant against journalist Dill Bhushan Pathak, saying it has spread fear and anxiety within the media community.
The press release criticized the misuse of Section 47 of the Electronic Transaction Act to regulate journalism, asserting that such actions should instead be governed by existing media laws and through press oversight mechanisms, not criminal prosecution.
“Despite the legal provision to approach the Press Council for dissatisfaction with news content, invoking the Electronic Transactions Act to file charges against a journalist is highly objectionable,” the Union stated.
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