Bar Association Condemns Social Media Attacks on the Judiciary

Kathmandu – The Nepal Bar Association has raised objections, saying that the judiciary is under attack through social media. The Bar said in a Wednesday meeting of its executive committee, former presidents, general secretary, and leaders from available bar units that concerns have been drawn to the misuse of social media. The Bar stated that pages on social media and various media outlets are using information technology to publish and broadcast misleading and false information filled with hatred, threats, character assassination, and propaganda targeting courts, judges, and legal professionals.

In a statement issued by Bar General Secretary Kedar P­rasad Koirala, it said, “Activities aimed at discrediting the entire justice system, judges, and legal professionals through baseless, fabricated, and superficial accusations are ongoing, and the Nepal Bar Association condemns the government of Nepal as a spectator that is encouraging such acts.”

The Bar noted that individuals from within the legal field itself—former judges, serving staff, lawyers, and various other persons—appear to be involved in attacking the judiciary, and called on relevant regulatory bodies to pay attention. Koirala urged the regulatory and law enforcement agencies of the respective sectors to control these activities.

The Bar also demanded that those making unnecessary, baseless, and exaggerated comments about the courts be brought within the ambit of the law. It said it would bring this matter to the attention of the President and Prime Minister through an official memorandum.