In response to a short-term interim order by the Kathmandu District Court, Nepalkhabar has defended its right to report on public figures, stating that individuals holding public office remain under constant public scrutiny, as they are paid by taxpayers and accountable to the people.
The media outlet submitted its written response after Judge Pitambar Sharma, on June 10, issued an interim order without a hearing from the concerned media houses, directing that Nepalkhabar and Bizmandu delete news articles related to Santosh Narayan Shrestha, chairperson of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON). The order also barred Nepalkhabar from publishing any further reports concerning Shrestha.
Refuting claims made in Shrestha's petition, Nepalkhabar reaffirmed the accuracy of its reporting, stressing that its coverage is based on verified information and credible sources. Shrestha had alleged that the reports damaged his reputation and were based on false accusations—particularly two stories: "SEBON Chair Shrestha asked commission for IPO approval of hydropower companies" and "Hydro promoters planning strategy after Santosh Narayan asked 5-7 percent commission through middlemen."
"The stories were prepared with journalistic integrity, cross-verified from multiple credible sources, and reflect responsible journalism. Sometimes sources request anonymity, which is a widely accepted international practice," Nepalkhabar said in its response.
The media house questioned the court's motive behind the unilateral order, suggesting that it was a case of "shooting the messenger." It expressed concern that legal action aimed at suppressing media investigations into allegations of corruption and misuse of authority not only hinders press freedom but also obstructs public access to critical information. "We stand by our reporting, which serves the public's right to know as enshrined in Nepal's Constitution," the media outlet added.
Former Chairperson of the Press Council Nepal, Rajendra Dahal, also condemned the court's order. In a video interview with Himalkhabar, Dahal argued that such directives, made without giving media outlets a chance to respond, are unconstitutional and set a dangerous precedent. "What if Nepalkhabar presents evidence tomorrow—how will the judge justify his order?" he asked.
In a related press release issued on June 12, the Press Council Nepal—the statutory regulatory body for media—expressed grave concern over recent developments, urging state authorities to avoid interfering in lawful journalism.
It criticized increasing pressure on the press, including demands to remove published content, police summons to journalists, and scrutiny of their social media posts. "These trends are a serious threat to media independence," the Council warned.
Multiple stakeholders have echoed the sentiment. The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Online Journalists' Association of Nepal (OJAN), Nepal Bar Association, and other media and justice bodies have criticized the court's intervention, calling it unconstitutional and an encroachment on the jurisdiction of the Press Council, which is empowered to handle media-related disputes.
Public scrutiny of regulators like SEBON is especially critical, Nepalkhabar noted. The agency oversees capital markets worth trillions of rupees and holds the authority to introduce regulations that can have sweeping effects on public investment. "Regulators must ensure a level playing field with a competitive and fair market, but in Nepal, such offices are increasingly viewed as being influenced by vested interests," the media house said.
Political reactions have further intensified the debate. CPN (Maoist Center) leader and former Finance Minister Barshaman Pun, during a public event on November 25, 2024, alleged that "a vested interest group" had manipulated Shrestha's appointment. He warned that the same group seeks control over other key financial institutions, including the Nepal Rastra Bank, describing it as a sign of "crony capitalism."
At a program organized by the Intellectual Professional Campaign Council in Kathmandu on April 15, 2025, Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa attributed the current economic challenges to the influence of middlemen. He alleged that middlemen even gained access to the Prime Minister’s bedroom, suggesting their deep-rooted influence in Nepal’s economic system.
Asserting its role as a public watchdog, Nepalkhabar stated it holds no personal animosity toward Shrestha or any individual. It reiterated that a free press is essential for transparency and democracy, and that media accountability should be determined through appropriate institutions such as the Press Council—not through censorship or judicial overreach.
"Efforts to intimidate the media not only threaten journalistic freedom but also erode the democratic space guaranteed by Nepal's 2015 Constitution," according to the media outlet.
The Kathmandu District Court has asked Nepalkhabar and Bizmandu to appear before the Court on Wednesday (June 18) to discuss the issue.
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