KATHMANDU, Sep 5: A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court (SC) against the government’s decision to block unregistered social media platforms in Nepal.
Senior Advocate Dinesh Tripathi filed the petition on Friday, arguing that the decision was unconstitutional. “I have already filed the writ petition; it is currently in the registration process,” Tripathi said.
The petition states that the government’s move curtails the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Referring to the constitutional provisions that ensure freedom of expression, and communication, the petition argues that the government’s decision amounts to an attack on those rights.
Contempt of court case filed against Advocate Tripathi
Tripathi has requested the court to issue an interim order directing the government not to obstruct the use and operation of any social media platform until the case is decided.
The government on Thursday decided to ban all social media platforms not registered in Nepal. The decision immediately drew widespread criticism from civil society, journalists, human rights defenders and digital rights activists and opposition parties who argued that it would severely restrict citizens’ digital freedoms and access to information.
The government’s move follows the directive order issued by the SC. Earlier on August 25 this year, a Division Bench of Justices Tek Prasad Dhungana and Shanti Singh Thapa, hearing a contempt of court case, ordered the government to ensure that all social media platforms operating in Nepal be registered with a competent authority.
The apex court emphasised that such regulation was necessary to monitor harmful content, ensure accountability and require foreign platforms broadcasting advertisements in Nepal to obtain official permission.
