The 2026 FIFA World Cup and Major League Cricket are set to be held concurrently in the United States during June and July of 2026. Both tournaments’ final matches are scheduled for July 19, 2026, taking place on the same day. The World Cup games will be played at Levi’s Stadium in California, while the cricket matches will be hosted at Oakland Coliseum. (May 26, Kathmandu)
In the upcoming June-July period, the US will witness the simultaneous hosting of two major sporting events. As the FIFA World Cup 2026 unfolds, Major League Cricket 2026 will also commence, creating an exciting sports atmosphere across North America. The fourth edition of Major League Cricket is scheduled to run from June 19 through July 19. Since the World Cup will also be underway during this timeframe, there is expected competition for viewers, sponsors, and stadium usage between the two tournaments.
The FIFA World Cup, held once every four years and considered the pinnacle event in global football, will predominantly capture the sports spotlight. The most intriguing scenario will arise on July 19, when both the FIFA World Cup final and the Major League Cricket final take place on the same day. If the cricket schedule remains unchanged, the final cricket match will coincide with the World Cup final. Both events will be broadcast during the evening hours in the US, intensifying competition for television viewership.
Sponsoring companies will need to divide their investments across both major tournaments. To facilitate smoother management, organizers have allocated different venues for each sport. Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, will host the World Cup fixtures, while the cricket matches, including 11 league games, playoffs, and the final, will be held at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland.
Labour Culture Party MP Aren Rai raised a question in the House of Representatives about when Jiwi Rai, accused of cooperative fraud, will be arrested. During the parliamentary session, he drew the government’s attention to issues such as monkey management, addressing the problems of squatters, and refunding the savings of cooperative victims. MP Rai urged immediate resolution of farmers’ difficulties by clarifying when and how depositors will recover their stuck money in cooperatives. Kathmandu, 12 Jestha.
The question of when Jiwi Rai, accused of involvement in cooperative fraud, will be detained has been raised in parliament. MP Aren Rai from the Labour Culture Party is pressing the government on this matter. Speaking during Monday’s House of Representatives meeting, he said, ‘When will the government implement monkey management? When will squatters and informal settlers receive effective government management to feel recognized? When will Jiwi Rai be arrested?’
He also questioned the government’s role regarding the repayment of deposits locked in cooperatives. MP Rai called for practical solutions to farmers’ problems and recommended that attention be paid to the condition of road projects.
Hotel and tourism entrepreneurs from Madhesh Province visited Gandaki Province under the campaign ‘Explore Madhesh, Understand the Province’.
The trip was organized to invite businessmen from Gandaki to the upcoming ‘Madhesh Tourism Mart’ scheduled from June 11 to 14 (Jestha 28 to 31).
The tour group engaged with local entrepreneurs in Bandipur, Pokhara, and Sauraha to discuss promoting Madhesh’s tourist destinations.
June 12, Bara – Entrepreneurs from hotels and tourism sectors in Madhesh Province completed a journey to Gandaki Province under the slogan ‘‘Explore Madhesh, Understand the Province.’’ The trip started on June 1 (Jestha 8) and concluded on Monday.
According to Mohan Sharma Lamichhane, president of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NAATTA) Madhesh Province, the Gandaki tour was organized to invite tourism entrepreneurs from Gandaki, including Pokhara, to participate in the ‘Madhesh Tourism Mart’ to be held in Madhesh from June 11 to 14 (Jestha 28 to 31).
Hira Gautam, president of the Nepal Hotel and Tourism Entrepreneurs Federation Madhesh Province, informed that 35 entrepreneurs from Madhesh participated in the Gandaki tour led by the Federation. The delegation also held interactions with local entrepreneurs in Bandipur, Pokhara, and Sauraha to promote tourism in Madhesh’s destinations.
During the journey, discussions took place over potential collaborations with Gandaki’s tourism entrepreneurs to bring both domestic and international tourists to Madhesh’s key tourist locations, Gautam added.
The group interacted with local business leaders including Surendra Bahadur Thapa, Chairperson of Bandipur Rural Municipality. In Pokhara, they met with Gopi Bahadur Bhattarai, coordinator of Pokhara Tourism Year 2025/26, and in Sauraha, discussions on inter-province tourism promotion were held with local business representatives led by Gunraj Thapaliya, Vice President of the Regional Hotel Association.
The upcoming Madhesh Tourism Mart, aimed at promoting various tourist destinations across Madhesh from Saptari to Parsa, will focus on sites such as Parsa National Park in Bara, Janakpur Dham in Dhanusha, and Sakhada Bhagwati in Saptari. The event plans to participate hotel operators, tour operators, and digital content creators from Nepal and various Indian cities.
Organized by the Nepal Tourism Board in coordination with NAATTA Madhesh Province and various local bodies and organizations, the Madhesh Tourism Mart is expected to play a significant role in the promotion of Madhesh as a tourist destination, said Mohan Sharma, president of NAATTA Madhesh.
Although the four semifinalist teams have been decided, group stage matches are still ongoing. Remaining teams will compete to determine final rankings, with the semifinals scheduled for 14 Jestha. Fans eagerly await these matches. The host country Nepal has secured a semifinal spot and will face former champion Iran. In the other semifinal, Group A winner India will take on Group B runner-up Kazakhstan.
With two consecutive wins in the tournament, the home team Nepal has improved to 54th place in the FIVB world rankings. As of 12 Jestha in Kathmandu, the group stages of the Kavha Women’s Volleyball Championship have concluded and the semifinal slots finalized. This Central Asian competition features eight teams: Group A’s winner India and runner-up Nepal, and Group B’s winner Iran and runner-up Kazakhstan have advanced to the semifinals.
On Tuesday, India defeated Kyrgyzstan and Iran overcame Kazakhstan in straight sets, confirming the semifinalists. Thus, Group A winner India will face Group B runner-up Kazakhstan in one semifinal, while Group A runner-up Nepal will contend with Group B winner Iran. India topped Group A with three wins accumulating 8 points. Their match against Nepal extended to five sets, leading to a shared point. Nepal finished second with 7 points, having won two matches and lost one.
In Group B, Iran convincingly defeated Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh with 3-0 set victories, securing 9 points and first place. Kazakhstan earned 6 points through two wins, standing second. Sri Lanka gained 3 points with one win and two losses, while winless Bangladesh finished last. The top two teams from each group earned semifinal spots, while the remaining teams will contest playoffs based on their rankings.
Following these matches, the semifinals will be held Thursday. The first semifinal between India and Kazakhstan will kick off at 2:30 PM, followed by the second semifinal featuring Iran against Nepal at 5 PM. Iran is a former champion of this tournament. Initiated in 2024 as the Kavha Women’s Challenge Cup in Kathmandu, this is the competition’s third edition with some changes to its format and naming.
The first edition included only four teams, where Iran defeated the host Uzbekistan in the final to claim the title. This time, former winners India and Iran, one-time runner-up Nepal, and Kazakhstan—highest ranked according to FIVB—are participating. All these teams are gearing up with the ambition to win the championship. Nepal’s head coach Jagdish Bhatt noted that all players were given opportunities during the group phase and semifinal tactics will be accordingly adjusted.
Coach Bhatt highlighted Iran’s team quality and strong defensive system. After clinching the Group B top spot by beating Kazakhstan on Monday, Iran is buoyant. Iranian player Safeenud Dastbarjan commented that Nepal’s home crowd support will make the match more challenging. She said they view the Kavha Women’s Volleyball Championship as preparation for the AVC Cup and aim to win the remaining two matches and the title. Conversely, Kazakhstan’s Kristina Belova acknowledged her own mistakes led to their loss against Iran and expressed determination to correct errors and perform better against India in the semifinals.
Among the four semifinalists, Kazakhstan ranks highest at 36th in the FIVB world rankings, while India is ranked lowest at 62nd. Iran stands 44th and Nepal 54th. Since the tournament is recognized by FIVB for world ranking points, Nepal secured its first ranking position after the opening match. Although Nepal initially ranked 62nd after the game against India, two subsequent wins have elevated them to 54th.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Shri Vidyashankar Bharati Mahaswami of the Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada Peeth undertook a ceremonial worship at Chandragiri Baleshwar Mahadev Temple. During his visit to Nepal on the occasion of the ‘Religious Victory Journey Nepal–2026,’ he was warmly welcomed by Hemraj Dhakal, Chairman of Chandragiri Hills. While touring Chandragiri, Jagadguru Shankaracharya expressed a profoundly spiritual experience within the premises of Baleshwar Mahadev Temple. Kathmandu, 12 Jestha.
Jagadguru Shankaracharya arrived at Chandragiri on Monday. He and his distinguished guests were greeted by Hemraj Dhakal, Chairman of Chandragiri Hills, along with directors, founders, and other officials. During the visit, Jagadguru Shankaracharya praised Chandragiri Hills as an exceptional destination in the tourism sector. He described the experience at Baleshwar Mahadev Temple as deeply transcendental. He noted the attraction of the environment, culture, and natural beauty that captivates all visitors. He also highlighted the green-covered hills, the cool and peaceful weather, and the panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, remarking that riding the cable car was a memorable experience.
12 Jestha, Kathmandu – The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has issued an order to Gorkha Media Network Pvt. Ltd. to vacate its premises. On Tuesday, the municipality gave the company a 15-day notice to vacate the property housing Galaxy 4K Television. The notice stipulates that if the company fails to remove its assets within the specified period in accordance with the law, the municipality will auction the items under Section 70 of the Dispute Resolution (Procedure) Act, 2075.
“Since six months have passed since the implementation of the decision, and based on petitioner Mrigendra Mishra’s application dated 21 Baishakh 2083 requesting the auction of items located at Galaxy 4K, this notice has been issued as a final warning,” the notice states.
On 28 Saun 2082, the High Court Patan issued a writ mandating Kathmandu Metropolitan City and others to implement the judicial committee’s decision within two months. According to the notice, the municipality deployed a team on 14 Kartik 2082 to enforce the decision.
Previously, Mishra had filed a case in the municipality’s judicial committee against Gorkha Media Network chairman Gitendra Babu (GB) Rai, demanding eviction over unpaid rent. The committee ruled on 14 Kartik 2081 that the defendant must pay arrears of rent and tax as per Section 47 of the Local Government Operation Act, 2074, and vacate the property.
GB Rai has reportedly misappropriated cooperative funds to invest in Galaxy 4K TV run by Gorkha Media Pvt. Ltd. Upon this revelation, Rai is currently absconding.
Ravi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), who collaborated with GB Rai at Galaxy Television, is also reportedly involved in the case concerning the misappropriation of cooperative funds.
Andrew Malkinson, who served 17 years in a UK prison for a crime he did not commit, expressed mixed emotions of relief and anger after the real perpetrator, Paul Quinn, was convicted.
Malkinson was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for a brutal assault that took place in Greater Manchester in 2003, spending 17 years incarcerated. This case is regarded as one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in the British legal system.
Last month, Paul Quinn was found guilty of the rape for which Malkinson had been wrongfully imprisoned. In his first public comment, Malkinson said, “I suffered a great injustice.”
On the BBC’s podcast ‘Shadow World: Stolen Years,’ he stated, “Ultimately, the real perpetrator has been identified,” expressing gratitude to the authorities and sharing that he felt relief similar to the victim’s.
“I wonder how she must be feeling now,” he added.
Malkinson has consistently shared that he endured immense suffering alongside the victim throughout the ordeal.
While 52-year-old Quinn was serving his sentence for rape and assault, Malkinson was visiting ancient ruins in Rome, Italy.
“I was also angry because I had been serving an unjust sentence for a long time,” he admitted.
Although DNA testing did not confirm Malkinson’s guilt, he was forced to serve a sentence for a crime committed by another individual.
Now aged 60, Malkinson has always maintained his innocence. However, during the investigation of suspicious individuals related to the crime, the victim identified Malkinson as the perpetrator.
Malkinson made multiple efforts to prove his innocence but was unsuccessful until DNA testing in 2023 on the victim’s clothing identified the real assailant.
The Struggle Is Not Over Yet
Image source, PA
Malkinson’s fight for justice is ongoing. An investigation led by a judge is underway to determine how the wrongful conviction occurred. The commission’s outcome will play a key role in his compensation battle.
Last year, public reports criticized the Criminal Cases Review Commission for twice failing to assist in the case.
An independent report claimed the commission did not attempt DNA testing sooner.
An independent body investigating police misconduct is examining the handling of Malkinson’s case, including whether the police and other officials followed proper procedures.
Issues under review include whether evidence was destroyed, if witnesses were coerced, and whether Malkinson was provided with adequate defense support.
Neglected Evidence
Image source, GMP
Caption: Quinn being sentenced on June 5
During Malkinson’s 2004 trial, the victim was unable to confirm if he was the assailant. Only after seeing Malkinson in prison did she inform the police in 2023, at the court hearing.
She said an officer encouraged her to proceed with the case, and although frightened and reluctant, she eventually complied under that influence.
Since his release in 2020, Malkinson has been trying to rebuild his life, a process detailed in a BBC Four podcast.
“I am eager to understand why such a great injustice happened in my life,” Malkinson said.
On July 19, 2003, a young mother was attacked on her way home by sexual offender Quinn. She suffered beating, a broken jaw, and bite marks. Evidence confirmed Quinn’s use of drugs to render her unconscious before the rape.
Judges at Manchester Crown Court ruled after confirming Quinn’s DNA on the victim’s clothing.
Previously available forensic technology did not identify Quinn’s DNA until 2023, as the tests were not utilized earlier.
Malkinson also researched online about how long police samples are retained.
Quinn was sentenced on June 5.
Malkinson’s Future Plans
Greater Manchester police are investigating Quinn’s possible links to several other unsolved crimes.
Officer Jim Partington stated, “I believe there are other victims affected by him. A detailed investigation into three incidents between 2003 and 2010 is underway.”
The police have urged anyone connected to Quinn to come forward with information.
Malkinson revealed he endured 23 years of mental anguish and legal battles to prove his innocence.
“I am exhausted by this case,” he said. “Since 2003, the continuous struggle has caused me immense pain.”
He mentioned having taken a break from legal fights to live peacefully. Recently, he traveled to Australia to reunite with his sisters after many years apart.
He also enjoys stargazing and has bought a telescope.
He said he did not have a chance to observe stars in prison but that his interest has grown since release.
“Now, I want to spend the rest of my life in peace,” he concluded.
May 25, Kathmandu – The Nepal Police have directed Poonam Chand, a player of the Nepal National Women’s Volleyball Team and Nepal Police Club, to appear at the police office within seven days. The Nepal Police Headquarters issued a notice on Jestha 11, 2083 (May 24, 2026), instructing Poonam Chand and others who have been absent without leave to clarify their absence and present themselves with a satisfactory explanation.
According to the police office, Police Constable Poonam Chand has been absent since Chaitra 15, 2082 (March 29, 2026). Despite attempts to contact her and the completion of procedures including posting the notice following Rule 115 (2) of the Police Regulations 2071 (amended), she has not responded, prompting the order for her to report within seven days.
Although the Nepal Volleyball Association included Poonam in the closed training camp for the Kathmandu Women’s Volleyball Championship, she traveled to Australia shortly thereafter. Currently, the Nepalese women’s team is competing on home court in the Kathmandu Women’s Volleyball Championship, but Poonam Chand is not part of the squad.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah will hold a collective discussion on Tuesday with non-resident ambassadors and mission chiefs from countries affiliated with the European Union. The meeting, scheduled at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office, will focus on Nepal’s priorities, bilateral relations, and various areas of cooperation. Kathmandu, 12 Jestha.
The secretariat has announced that the Prime Minister will conduct a group meeting and dialogue at 11:30 a.m. The discussions will center on Nepal’s current priorities, strengthening bilateral relations, and exploring diverse aspects of cooperation.
Previously, on Chaitra 25, Prime Minister Shah held a collective meeting and dialogue with ambassadors and diplomatic mission heads from different countries based in Nepal.
Amid an ongoing ceasefire, the US military launched a new assault targeting missile sites and boats near Bandar Abbas, a southern port city in Iran.
The US Central Command stated the attack was conducted in self-defense to protect its personnel.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that despite the attack, prospects for a peace agreement between the two countries remain possible.
May 25 (Kathmandu) – Amid a continuing ceasefire, the US military has carried out a new attack in southern Iran.
According to the US forces, the strike targeted areas where Iranian missiles were positioned as well as boats attempting to lay naval mines.
The US Central Command described the assault as an act of self-defense during the ongoing ceasefire to ensure the safety of its forces. Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins emphasized that the US military is exercising restraint while safeguarding its personnel.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai stated that while talks between the US and Iran have made some progress, a comprehensive peace agreement is not imminent, noting that the US launched the attack amid these negotiations.
Captain Hawkins further detailed that the attack took place near the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, a naval base situated at the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Previously, Iranian state media reported local authorities investigating explosions heard in Bandar Abbas.
Iran has yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack. It remains unclear how this event will impact the potential peace agreement between the US and Iran.
Following the attack, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a peace deal remains feasible.
Visiting India, Rubio told reporters, “There is potential for progress. Discussions are ongoing regarding the language of the preliminary agreement, so it may take some time.”
He added that US President Donald Trump is committed to finalizing an agreement and emphasized the policy that if a solid deal is not reached, no agreement will be made.
Over the weekend, Trump indicated that both the US and Iran were approaching a peace agreement but later cautioned negotiators not to rush. Rubio also suggested that an agreement might be finalized by Monday.
However, Iranian spokesman Baghai noted, “While it is true that we are close on many contentious issues, it cannot be said that the agreement will be concluded immediately.”
The preliminary memorandum under negotiation includes plans for extending the ceasefire for 60 days, reopening the Strait of Hormuz for navigation, and further talks on Iran’s nuclear program.
‘I Want to Make My Final Everest Ascent with My Daughters,’ Says Lakpa Sherpa
Lakpa Sherpa, the woman who has reached the summit of Everest a record 11 times—the most by any woman—now wishes to undertake her final climb with her daughters. “I love the mountains deeply. I want to rest from my Everest journeys only after climbing it together with my daughters,” Lakpa Sherpa shared.
Though she took a break from climbing to care for her three children, she is now planning to resume regular expeditions to Everest as her children have grown. “If my health remains good, I hope to climb Everest even at the age of 80,” she stated.
In 2000, Lakpa made history by becoming the first Nepalese woman to reach Everest’s summit and return safely. In 2003, she set another record by climbing Everest alongside her brother and sister.
May 25, Bagmati Province – The provincial government is scheduled to present the policy and program for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84 (Nepali calendar) at the Bagmati Provincial Assembly today. The session will commence at 5:00 PM, during which Province Chief Deepak Prasad Devkota will present the government’s policy and program, according to Ram Kumar Paudel, Secretary of the Provincial Assembly Secretariat.
Additionally, discussions on the principles and priorities of the government’s Budget Bill for fiscal year 2083/84 (excluding tax proposals) will begin today in the provincial assembly. During the previous assembly meeting held on Monday, Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning Prabhat Tamang had presented the key principles and priorities of the upcoming fiscal year’s budget bill. The assembly is scheduled to hold deliberations on this proposal in a session this morning, as informed by Secretary Paudel.
May 25, Kathmandu – The Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market Development Committee has set maximum wholesale prices for agricultural products today. According to the committee, the prices are as follows: Large Nepali tomato at NPR 70 per kilogram, large Indian tomato at NPR 80 per kilogram, small local tomato at NPR 35 per kilogram, small tunnel tomato at NPR 52 per kilogram, small Indian tomato at NPR 30 per kilogram, red long potato at NPR 30 per kilogram, red round potato at NPR 27 per kilogram, Indian red potato at NPR 28 per kilogram, and dried Indian onion at NPR 38 per kilogram.
Similarly, local carrot is priced at NPR 65 per kilogram, local cabbage at NPR 40 per kilogram, local cauliflower at NPR 50 per kilogram, red radish at NPR 30 per kilogram, hybrid white radish at NPR 30 per kilogram, long bitter gourd at NPR 50 per kilogram, and round bitter gourd at NPR 50 per kilogram.
Moreover, yardlong bean is NPR 50 per kilogram, maize bean at NPR 80, green pea pods at NPR 70, local cowpea (ghiu simi) at NPR 70, hybrid cowpea at NPR 50, kidney bean at NPR 100, winged bean at NPR 35, black soybean at NPR 140, bitter melon at NPR 50, bottle gourd at NPR 55 per kilogram. Local pumpkin is priced at NPR 60, Terai region pumpkin at NPR 50, chichindo at NPR 40, ghiroula at NPR 50, ziguni at NPR 60, ripe pumpkin at NPR 60, long green pumpkin at NPR 45, round green pumpkin at NPR 30, okra at NPR 50, chayote at NPR 70, and pindalu at NPR 40 per kilogram.
Kathmandu – Accusing the Baltic states of violating the human rights of Russian citizens, Russia has threatened to take the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). According to the Russian news agency TASS, Russia had been attempting to resolve the issues with Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia through dialogue. However, after these efforts failed, Russia decided to pursue legal action. The Russian Foreign Ministry disclosed this information to the newspaper Izvestia.
The Russian Foreign Ministry sharply criticized the treatment of the Russian community by the Baltic countries. In its statement, the ministry said, “We repeatedly urged Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia to rectify their mistakes at the international level. However, the authorities of these countries refused to end their unlawful policies. All our efforts to resolve disagreements through talks have failed. Therefore, we must now present our claims to the primary judicial body of the United Nations.”
The ministry further highlighted that it has been drawing the United Nations’ attention to the repression of Russian-speaking populations, social activists, and human rights defenders in the Baltic countries. Russia accused Latvia of removing dissenting voices from the information sphere under the pretext of countering “Russian propaganda.” Additionally, the Russian Foreign Ministry contended that Estonia’s constitution prioritizing ethnic Estonians results in blatant violations of the rights of minority Russian citizens residing there.
Summary: The Supreme Court has clarified that judges cannot be subjected to contempt proceedings merely for delivering judgments that contravene established legal precedents and principles. A bench comprising Justices Sharanga Subedi and Meghraj Pokharel dismissed a contempt petition filed against two judges of the Patan High Court. The court emphasized that errors in law should be addressed through appeals rather than contempt actions.
Kathmandu, 25 May: The Supreme Court ruled that no judge can face contempt charges solely based on decisions that conflict with legal provisions or established precedents. A petition seeking contempt proceedings against two Patan High Court judges was admitted but ultimately rejected by a bench led by Justices Sharanga Subedi and Meghraj Pokharel. The court emphasized that legal errors should be rectified through proper appellate procedures, not contempt sanctions.
The controversy originated when law student Bibek Chaudhary of Nepal Law Campus questioned the methods employed by traffic police and filed a writ petition in the Patan High Court. Dissatisfied with the court’s ruling—which was viewed as violating precedent and judicial principles—Chaudhary submitted a contempt petition in the Supreme Court against Patan High Court Judges Rishiraj Bhandari and Gopal Prasad Banstola. He alleged that these judges issued an order contradicting precedent, particularly concerning traffic regulations.
The Supreme Court rejected the claim that the judges disrespected the court by disregarding legal principles. Chaudhary’s writ petition focused on the illegality of traffic police’s use of wheel locks on vehicles parked in prohibited zones, as stipulated under Section 164(1)(b) of the Vehicle and Traffic Management Act, 1992 (2049 BS), which authorizes penalties but does not explicitly endorse wheel locking. Despite this, the High Court upheld the practice, leading Chaudhary to argue that the ruling violated legal principles and precedent, urging contempt proceedings against the bench.
In response, the Supreme Court reiterated that judicial errors or misapplications of precedent do not constitute contempt. It noted that international judicial practices and established legal doctrines support this view, underscoring that judicial independence must be preserved. The Court stated, “Even if a judge makes an error in interpreting the law, it does not warrant contempt proceedings.” It also cited the British precedent, explaining that errors in judgments are to be corrected through appeals, not contempt charges.
The Court further clarified that contempt actions require willful disobedience or deliberate disrespect towards court orders. Mere inadvertent or good-faith deviations from precedent cannot be grounds for contempt. The ruling clarified that precedents may have situational variations and that judicial discretion in selecting applicable legal principles should be respected.
India’s judicial system similarly treats misapplication of precedent as a judicial error rather than contempt. Upholding judicial independence as paramount, the Supreme Court highlighted that judges must remain free from accountability measures related to their decisions except through proper legal channels. This approach aligns with United Nations declarations recognizing judicial autonomy.
Regarding the case at hand, the Patan High Court’s ruling permitting wheel locking on unlawfully parked vehicles was characterized by the Supreme Court as amenable to appellate review. The Court emphasized that contempt is intended to ensure respect and enforcement of judicial orders, not to correct legal mistakes. Since alternatives like appeals remain available, contempt proceedings are inappropriate.
In sum, the Supreme Court affirmed the principle that judges’ decisions—even if flawed legally—are not liable for contempt unless clear, intentional violation of court authority exists. This interpretation reaffirms the priority of judicial independence and correct legal procedure. The Court’s decision was rendered public recently, following a contempt petition filed on 2 April 2026 (19 Chaitra 2082 BS) against two judges.
