KATHMANDU, May 19: The Nepal Bar Association (NBA) has announced a symbolic lantern protest on Tuesday, accusing the Supreme Court administration of obstructing access to justice by refusing to register writ petitions and applications.
The decision was made during an NBA meeting held on Monday following discussions with Acting Chief Justice Sapana Malla Pradhan. The umbrella organization of lawyers across the country concluded that the apex court administration had engaged in what it described as “unexpected activities and conduct"
NBA to stage protest at Judicial Council today
According to NBA General Secretary Kedar Koirala, legal practitioners will gather at the Bar premises at 1:15 PM to protest in support of justice, reason, and fair judicial process. The NBA alleged that the Supreme Court administration had returned writ petitions and applications without registration, effectively blocking litigants from pursuing legal remedies.
In a statement, the NBA said the Acting Chief Justice had already ordered the administration to register petitions challenging such refusals, invoking Article 136 of the Constitution, Section 35 of the Judicial Administration Act, 2073 BS and Rules 7 and 8 of the Supreme Court Regulations, 2074 BS. Despite those directives, the administration allegedly failed to comply.
The NBA described the administration’s refusal to implement the Acting Chief Justice’s order as “extraordinary and unnatural,” arguing that such actions undermine judicial accountability and the rule of law. It further stated that the issue represents a historic institutional mistake that would remain part of the public record and could invite consequences under prevailing law.
The NBA also expressed concern over comments made in the House of Representatives regarding the issue, claiming that discussions on matters under judicial consideration violated Article 105 of the Constitution, which restricts parliamentary debate on sub judice matters. In its statement, the NBA warned that “emotionally driven and arrogance-based extremist expressions ultimately end in regret.”
The NBA has also urged Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal to remove such remarks from parliamentary records and ensure similar incidents are not repeated in the future. It further said that it would continue further protest programs based on recommendations from its advisors and affiliated units.
