The Special Court has ordered the Drishti News media to furnish justification of the news published in Drishtinews.com on June 22. The full bench of the court issued order on June 24, directing media to submit justification within three days.
According to the news reports, the court staffs Nabraj Sapkota, Sagar Bhandari, Yagyaraj Regmi, Pramila Kafle and Girisha Bhattarai filed a contempt of court against the online portal, Drishti Media Pvt. Ltd and its Chairperson Shambhu Lal Shrestha and Executive Editor MP Subba on June 23. Following this, the court issued order in the hearing held on June 24.
The court order reads- The media should submit justification with evidence within three days from the date of receipt of this order as to why action and punishment under contempt of this court should not be taken. The respondents on behalf of the media- Shambhulal Shrestha, MP Subba, and the concerned reporter of the news 'must appear before the court to give their statements'. Moreover, the court also orders the media that the published news should not be removed or edited in any way.
The news titled- Influence of middlemen in the Special Court- was published on June 22 on the news portal. The news has quoted its confidential sources to expose the alleged corruptions in the court processes leading to acquittal in the cases registered by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority.
Chairperson Shrestha said that they are yet to receive official letter from the court. The media had no intention to harm the court’s reputation, he said, “However, the media respects decision of the court and we would submit answers to the issues raised by the court as soon as we receive the notice.” He further mentioned that the court delivered its order without informing the media on the hearing date.
On it, Freedom Forum’s Executive Chief observed, "The media deserves to be evaluated based on the content’s truth rather than its intent. In this case, the court has demeaned roles and responsibility of the press. Importantly, the absence of the clear definition of ‘contempt of court’ in Nepal has been miused for the court's defense, while depriving media of its rights. Courts’ benches have been defining the contempt of court as per their interest."
Media has the right to seek judicial accountability, and a transparent judicial process is essential for justice. "While being proactive to defend rights, other's duties and rights must not be breached. Together, it is the media's role to serve true content," he reiterated.
This incident has highlighted urgency of formulating an act on Contempt of Court.
Freedom Forum expresses serious concern on the case becasuse it is a serious threat to media and journalists. Such actions of the court discourages the media to raise questions and issues related to judicial accountability.
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