Nepal’s Supreme Court Rules Government’s Advertising Directive Unconstitutional

The Supreme Court of Nepal has ruled that the government’s directive to restrict government advertisements to state-owned media outlets is unconstitutional.

The court stated that such restrictions on the media are in contravention of the constitution and the principles of press freedom and freedom of expression.

The government had issued a circular on 18 Chaitra, 2082, directing all government agencies to publish and broadcast their information only through state-owned media outlets, such as Gorkhapatra, Radio Nepal, and Nepal Television.

The Nepal Media Society had challenged this directive in the Supreme Court, arguing that it would restrict the right to freedom of expression and the right to information.

The court ruled that the government’s decision was not in line with the principles of good governance and transparency, and that it would have a negative impact on the freedom of the press.

The court also stated that the government’s decision was not based on any legal provision and was therefore unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court’s decision is seen as a major victory for the media and the people of Nepal, who have been fighting for press freedom and the right to information.

The court’s ruling is also expected to have a positive impact on the country’s democracy and the rule of law.