Author: space4knews

In Nepal, two parallel courts are operating simultaneously: the legally established courts by the Constitution and the digital courts born from smartphones. In today’s society, these two courts function side by side. One is the ‘legal court’ created by the Constitution, which seeks evidence, listens to both sides, and takes time to deliver justice. The other is the ‘digital court’ created by smartphones, which watches a 10-second video, immediately passes judgment, and quickly announces punishment. We currently live in a situation where justice is sought through this kind of digital mob rule.

Recently, there has been an increasing competition to record videos without permission and make them go viral on social media. In some cases, it can be argued that this has brought positive change. Small cameras held by citizens directly challenge delays in hospitals, corruption in government offices, and the arrogance of those in power. In this way, the camera sometimes becomes the ‘third eye of the citizen.’ But the problem begins when the camera fails to become a scale of justice and instead becomes like a stone in the hands of the mob.

There are numerous examples worldwide where such videos have shaken governance systems. The 2020 killing of George Floyd by a 44-year-old white police officer in the United States is unforgettable. A video recorded by a civilian became indisputable evidence of the truth and raised global awareness against systemic racism. However, in 2019, a short video from Covington Catholic High School went viral based on mistaken interpretations. The courts later acquitted those teenagers and fined media companies.

Nepal’s Constitution of 2072 (2015) is in effect, granting us the right and freedom of expression. The Muluki Criminal Code 2074 (2017) and the Privacy Act 2075 (2018) consider it a punishable offense to photograph or publicly share someone’s image without permission. Sadly, while the law remains confined to textbooks, verdicts are now being made in Facebook comment sections.

It may be a citizen’s duty to gather evidence, but turning that into a ‘digital court’ and masquerading it as justice is injustice. If there is evidence, submit it to the relevant authorities. Even then, avoid making videos viral without consent to exploit social gain. In the end, ask yourself — what kind of society are we building?

Nepal Police have arrested Nepali Congress leader and former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka. He was detained on Sunday morning, and the Kathmandu District Court later authorized a seven-day custody for investigation in the evening. Home Minister Sudhan Gurung informed through a Facebook post that Khadka was taken into custody as part of the investigation into cash seized from his residence during the protest on Bhadra 24.

Home Minister Gurung shared the necessary arrest warrant issued by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) on his social media post, confirming Khadka’s current residence as Budhanilkantha Municipality. According to the post, the arrest was made for investigating charges related to money laundering. The Nepal Police’s CIB also confirmed the arrest in connection to money laundering offenses. CIB spokesperson Shiv Kumar Shrestha said, “He has been arrested. I have not yet received all the reports. The arrest is related to money laundering cases.” The police have stated that further details will be provided later.

Following the recommendations of the commission set up to investigate the Jan G Movement, former Prime Minister KP Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested on Saturday. While the UML party has institutionally labeled these actions as retaliatory and the faction led by Congress’s Purna Bahadur also opposes them, Deepak Khadka was arrested just three days after Balendra Shah assumed office. Khadka served as Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation under Prime Minister KP Oli’s government, and he is also a businessman in the water resources sector.

His personal details submitted to the House of Representatives Secretariat cite years of experience in sectors including ‘tourism and hydropower.’ Khadka has invested in various hydropower projects. He is considered one of the promoters of the Langtang Bhote Koshi Hydropower Project, which involves nearly NPR 2 billion in Chinese investment. According to the Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN) website, he has investments in the Upper Piluwa 1 and 2 projects under Manchhyam Hydropower Pvt. Ltd. in Sankhuwasabha district. Questions regarding conflicts of interest arose upon his appointment as Energy Minister. However, Khadka had stated, “If I work in a way that supports others, you will see the results. Such efforts benefit the country. It is possible to understand quickly and easily. My goal is to work selflessly and responsibly for the country, and I believe experience will make it fruitful.” During the Jan G Movement in Bhadra, his residence was also subjected to vandalism and arson. He was elected from Sankhuwasabha in the previous House of Representatives election.

Kathmandu – A serious traffic accident occurred near Hanuman Mandir in Gaindakot Municipality Ward No. 9, Nawalpur, along the East-West Highway. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported. Injured individuals have been sent to the hospital for treatment. According to Anil Pandit, spokesperson and DSP at the District Police Office, Nawalpur, a bus bearing registration number Lumbini Province 01-001 Kh 0910, traveling from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu, collided with a tractor with registration Bagmati Province 01-028 Cha 5004 going from Gaindakot towards Bhendabari, and a truck with registration number Ba 3 Kh 3163 traveling in the same direction.

The accident occurred at 6:45 a.m. today and involved injuries to the drivers of all three vehicles. Additionally, 8 to 9 passengers suffered minor injuries. The police are continuing to collect detailed information. DSP Pandit reported that the truck driver, 32-year-old Indra Tamang from Ramechhap; the bus driver, 41-year-old Mohansingh Balami Magar from Nepalgunj Metropolitan City Ward 20, Banke; and the tractor driver, 33-year-old Darshan Kapri from Bharatpur Metropolitan City Ward 12, Chitwan, were all injured. Kapri sustained a chest injury while the bus and truck drivers suffered injuries in both legs. The condition of all three drivers is stable. Other passengers on the bus were also slightly injured. As of the report, all three vehicles remain on the roadside, but police have confirmed that traffic flow is not disrupted.

March 29, Kathmandu — The Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market Development Committee has set the wholesale prices for agricultural produce for today. According to the committee, the prices per kilogram are as follows: large tomatoes (Indian) NPR 75, small tomatoes (local) NPR 30, small tomatoes (Indian) NPR 35, small tomatoes (Terai) NPR 40, red potatoes NPR 20, red potatoes (Indian) NPR 22, and dried onions (Indian) NPR 36.

Similarly, the prices for other vegetables are: carrots (local) NPR 35, carrots (Terai) NPR 25, cabbage (local) NPR 30, cabbage (Narival) NPR 25, cauliflower (local) NPR 65, cauliflower (local, Jhyapu) NPR 80, cauliflower (Terai) NPR 50, white radish (local) NPR 20, white radish (hybrid) NPR 30, long eggplant NPR 60, and round eggplant NPR 70.

Additionally, the prices for other produce include: yardlong beans NPR 80, peas NPR 70, local winged beans NPR 90, hybrid winged beans NPR 80, rajma winged beans NPR 100, flat beans NPR 75, bitter melon NPR 150, bottle gourd NPR 80, parwar (Terai) NPR 100, and ghiroula NPR 90 per kilogram. Ripe pumpkins are priced at NPR 60 per kilogram, long green pumpkins at NPR 40, round green pumpkins at NPR 30, okra NPR 120, sugarcane melon NPR 70, bäräla NPR 70, pindalu NPR 60, and skus NPR 50.

The new government’s 100-point action plan on public administration reform includes a measure to transfer funds from dormant bank accounts to the state treasury. The spokesperson for Nepal Rastra Bank has stated that implementing this measure will require necessary legal amendments. The 78th point of the cabinet-approved action plan states: “To effectively utilize the state’s dormant resources, banks and financial institutions must collect details of accounts inactive for 10 years or more, and any unclaimed funds after completing legal procedures should be transferred to the state treasury. Additionally, other sources should be identified and managed, with this process to be completed within 90 days.”
Central bank officials report that there are “more than 10 million” such accounts, containing “billions of rupees.” Nepal, with a population of nearly 30 million, reportedly has over 60 million bank accounts, according to Nepal Rastra Bank.
Nepal Rastra Bank spokesperson Gurupraj Paudel emphasized that legal provisions must be added and amended to implement the government’s announcement, noting that the government is expected to propose such changes. Krishna Raj Acharya, an economics professor at Tribhuvan University, commented that while the proposal is theoretically sound, Nepal needs to consider its international financial commitments and established global practices.
“Furthermore, transferring individual savings to the state treasury is not a straightforward matter. The existing 20-year dormancy period is being reduced to 10 years, so further clarification is needed on this,” said Professor Acharya. However, he added, “This is a beneficial measure for a country like Nepal. For nations with weak economies, such small sources provide an effective means to mobilize resources.”

March 30, Kathmandu – The Nepal Press Union, the common institution representing Nepali journalists, is celebrating its 71st founding anniversary today. On this occasion, the union has organized various programs across the Kathmandu Valley and nationwide. President Nirmala Sharma issued a message highlighting the responsibility of accountable journalism. She appealed to everyone to ensure the public’s right to accurate information and to fulfill the role expected by society.

With a history spanning seven decades, established as the country’s oldest and leading civil organization, the union has continuously worked to protect press and expression freedom while dedicating itself to the welfare of working journalists, President Sharma stated in her congratulatory message. “We are prioritizing efforts to establish strong democracy and the rule of law through professional and accountable journalism,” she wrote in the message. “The union has played a prominent role in protecting human rights, safeguarding citizens’ right to accurate information, and addressing public interest issues.”

Emphasizing that journalists and journalism are inherently linked to democracy, President Sharma said, “In some instances, it may be necessary to express opinions on public interest matters beyond professional responsibilities.” She added, “It is our duty to resist any attempts by any arm or level of the state to curtail or control constitutionally guaranteed press and expression freedoms under any pretext.” “Even a decade after the implementation of the democratic constitution, incidents compromising press freedom are increasing, and the union remains committed to opposing such violations,” she stressed.

Following the recently concluded House of Representatives election, the union has expressed confidence in the newly formed government holding nearly a two-thirds majority to end the longstanding political instability. Likewise, President Sharma urged the government to bring forward media-related and other essential laws after consulting with the union and stakeholders, as these have long been pending. She also highlighted the need to boost morale by ensuring compensation for media houses and journalists who suffered during the Janjati movement struggles and various accidents, based on data collected by the union.

With the advancement of information technology, the use of social media has increased the challenge of the spread of misinformation. In this context, President Sharma stated it is the union’s responsibility to uphold its dignity and bring the legacy to new heights by practising responsible journalism. She further noted that the union is actively working to strengthen relationships with national and international organizations to ensure the physical and professional safety of journalists. Additionally, she informed that the union has initiated efforts to include all media outlets and working journalists in the Social Security Fund.

The Nepali Congress has called a Central Disciplinary Committee meeting for Wednesday, Chaitra 18, at 1 PM. Acting General Secretary Krishna Prasad Dulal informed that the meeting will be held at the party’s central office in Sanepa. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss matters related to the party’s internal discipline.

Judges currently reside in the old ministerial residence located in Pulchok, Lalitpur. As the government begins allocating Pulchok quarters for newly appointed ministers, some judges residing there are planning to relocate. The presence of both ministers and judges in the same compound raises concerns about potential impacts on the administration of justice, prompting preparations for alternative housing arrangements. After the ministers moved to the Bhaisepati residence, the Pulchok quarters were designated for judges and the Chief Registrar. However, the Bhaisepati residence became uninhabitable following arson during the January movement. Kathmandu, 15 Chaitra.

Since the government started accommodating new ministers at Pulchok quarters, certain judges have started planning their relocation, at least temporarily. The prospect of ministers and judges sharing the same compound led to efforts to devise alternative arrangements, as it might affect the impartiality and functioning of the judiciary. Ministers shifted to a newly established, well-equipped residence in Bhaisepati, after which the Pulchok residence has been occupied by judges.

The arson attack during the January movement caused significant damage to the new ministerial residences in Bhaisepati. Except for the Defense Minister’s residence, all others became unsuitable for habitation. Following the January movement, the interim government designated all ministerial residences as minister quarters. A Supreme Court judge stated, “Currently, renovation and repainting are underway in at least five houses in the Pulchok quarters. Some ministers will move in soon,” he added, “While those of us living outside have no problem, judges residing there have started feeling uncomfortable.”

According to a judge residing at the Pulchok residence, judges are discussing two options. One is to live nearby, though frequent visits and meetings raise concerns about potentially compromising judicial independence, so efforts to regulate this matter are ongoing. “Such arrangements relate to the code of conduct, so it would be difficult to live that way,” the judge explained, “but moving out from here is also problematic, so we remain uncertain.” There are currently 19 buildings in the Pulchok quarters, connected to the Harihar Bhawan compound. Since the Chief Justice resides at the Baluwatar residence and some judges live in their own homes, not all quarters are in use.

March 29, Kathmandu – Birajbhakta Shrestha, Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, engaged in discussions with senior officials of his ministry regarding the overall status, progress to date, existing challenges, and the forthcoming work plans. According to his secretariat, Minister Shrestha closely examined the progress of various projects and programs under the ministry, emphasizing the importance of making service delivery more effective, transparent, and citizen-oriented.

The minister highlighted that achieving the government’s goals for sustainable development in the energy sector, optimal utilization of water resources, and expansion of irrigation systems to boost agricultural production requires clear action plans, timely implementation, and a responsible work approach. Additionally, he underscored the need to cultivate coordination, discipline, and a result-focused work culture within the ministry. Minister Shrestha instructed staff to perform their duties with complete commitment, integrity, and high morale.

Emphasizing prioritizing results that citizens can directly perceive, he noted the necessity for all parties to unite in advancing towards self-reliance in the energy sector. Minister Shrestha expressed his commitment to enhancing the ministry’s overall efficiency by converting upcoming challenges into opportunities and ensuring effective coordination between policy, planning, and implementation.

The District Court of Kathmandu has issued an order mandating effective medical arrangements for the treatment of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Oli is currently undergoing monitoring with a Holter monitor to evaluate heart rhythm issues. He has previously undergone two kidney transplants and has been diagnosed with gallstones.

March 29, Kathmandu – On Sunday, the District Court of Kathmandu directed authorities to ensure adequate medical care for former Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, who is in police custody. Since Saturday morning, Oli has been receiving treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (Maharajgunj). The attending physicians report that his health condition is stable. A Holter monitor has been placed on him to continuously monitor heart irregularities.

Doctors admitted Oli to the hospital Saturday morning after detecting an irregular heartbeat. Cardiologists and thoracic vascular transplant specialists at the Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center have been overseeing his care. While X-rays revealed gallstones, medical teams plan to decide by Monday whether surgery is necessary.

Due to his history of two kidney transplants, doctors have placed Oli under close observation. After his arrest Saturday morning, police transferred him to the hospital for medical examination. On Sunday, the District Court extended his detention and reiterated the need for appropriate medical arrangements. Senior Superintendent of Police Ramesh Thapa confirmed that Oli will remain hospitalized.

The government has decided to eliminate partisan trade unions within public administration and end political interference, mandating civil servants to perform their duties without affiliation to any party or interest group. Conflicting views have emerged between supporters and opponents of trade unions as the government prepares to draft a Civil Service Bill within 45 days.

Kathmandu, 15 Chaitra – Among the 100 administrative reform agendas ratified by the cabinet on the day the government was formed under senior Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Balendra Shah, the 12th point highlights the plan to abolish partisan trade unions in public administration. The aim is to end unwanted interference and informal pressure, thereby streamlining decision-making and service delivery. The government intends to maintain public administration free from political influence, ensuring it remains impartial, neutral, and accountable to citizens.

Accordingly, “Civil servants, including teachers and professors, will be required to perform their duties without any direct or indirect affiliation to political parties, groups, or interest centers; legal action will follow any violations.” However, discussions around abolishing partisan trade unions have revealed divided opinions.

Administrators and former employees largely support the government’s move, while union-affiliated staff members oppose it. Administration expert Kashiraj Dahal remarked that calls to remove partisan trade unions have existed for some time but never succeeded. “All parties have experienced the influence of trade unions during their governance, but none managed to remove them. This decision should be welcomed and implemented,” he added. Some former employees also argue that party-affiliated unions are unnecessary.

Revenue officer Shailendra Singh considers failure to dissolve party-aligned unions a barrier to civil service reform. “Apart from party-linked unions, faction-based unions have also emerged. Official trade unions are acceptable, but the sooner party-affiliated unions are dissolved, the better it is for everyone,” he asserted.

Party-affiliated unions legally incorporated under the National Trade Union Network include Nepal Civil Service Employees Union, Nepal Civil Servants Organization, Nepal National Civil Service Employees Organization, Unified Government Employees Organization, Madhesi Civil Service Employees Forum, and Independent Civil Servants Employees Organization.

After the government’s decision, the Civil Service Employees Union chairman Uttam Kutuwal noted ongoing internal consultations, stating, “We are not a partisan trade union but a national-level trade union defined by law.” Similarly, Lalbabu Yadav, chairman of the Madhesi Employees Forum, denied that his organization is partisan. Registered in Magh 2065 (Nepali calendar), it advocates for the rights and interests of Madhesi, Tharu, Muslim, and Dalit employees. “Being a partisan organization is not desirable, but unions formed for protecting employee rights are necessary,” Yadav explained.

Bhavani Nyaupane Dahal, chairperson of the Civil Service Employees Organization, mentioned that legal consultations are underway and all trade unions are preparing a joint stance. They appear to disagree with the government’s decision. “We have attained trade union rights through struggles, and many comrades lost their jobs for this cause. We are ready to correct shortcomings but abolition is unacceptable,” she stated.

Party-aligned employee organizations began to proliferate following 2048 BS (Nepali calendar). The Nepali Congress-led government at the time reversed disciplinary actions against nearly 1,000 employees who were punished during labor movements. After the political parties formed, employees reportedly stopped respecting political leadership.

Some union officials even reportedly showed disrespect towards the prime minister. Former Prime Minister Sushila Karki noted employees’ non-compliance. Former Public Service Commission chair Umesh Prasad Mainali explained that post-2046 BS political changes saw the creation of party-affiliated employee organizations aimed at fueling and suppressing employee movements alternately. According to Mainali, these organizations neglected their duty to work for employee welfare and instead focused on transfers and promotions. Political parties began to accept their recommendations, weakening discipline.

Mainali also noted that the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) had the most influence among employee organizations. “UML was more proactive than other parties. While nepotism existed in Congress, UML relied more strongly on party loyalty and aimed for partisan infiltration of administration,” he said.

Implementation Challenges of the Abolition Decision

Article 34(3) of the Constitution of Nepal guarantees every worker the right to form and join trade unions and engage in collective bargaining. Additionally, Section 53 of the Civil Service Act 2049 outlines trade union provisions. Proponents of trade unions argue these legal provisions necessitate their continued existence.

Former chair Punya Prasad Dhakal emphasized management’s role, stating, “An official trade union is necessary. The Constitution and national and international laws must be respected.” Constitutional expert and administrator Kashiraj Dahal clarified that national and international laws ensure rights for labor and capital-related trade unions but that policy-making officials should not have trade unions. “If all employees are given trade union rights, then judges and security personnel would also need to be accorded such rights.”

The government plans to draft a federal Civil Service Bill within 45 days. The bill had previously stalled during the federal parliament’s legal process. However, implementation is expected to face significant challenges. Administrator Dahal recommends thorough legal amendments to ensure effective policy implementation following the government’s decision.