Media Freedom Legal Disputes Nepal 2026

The constitutionally guaranteed right of citizens to record police in public spaces was reaffirmed, clarifying no legal prohibition or prior permission is required, emphasizing police accountability.

Nepal's Supreme Court overturned the government's ban on advertising funds to private media, restoring equal rights for private media outlets to receive public advertisements.

Vehicles linked to the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party blocked media outlets to silence critics, with police failing to intervene without higher orders, sparking condemnation from journalists.

The Nepal Communist Party called on the government to stop interference with media houses and to punish those responsible for intimidating journalists by parking suspicious vehicles at media entrances.

Nepali Congress Chief Whip Wasana Thapa demanded a transparent, impartial investigation into suspicious vehicles parked at media gate entrances, raising concerns about press freedom and media safety.

Government officials in Nepal showed discomfort toward press questioning, raising concerns about undermining democratic accountability and media freedom.

The Federation of Nepali Journalists Japan Chapter announced the FNJ Global Media Conference 2026 to be held in Tokyo on July 25, aiming to unite Nepali journalists worldwide to discuss digital journalism, AI, and press freedom.

Nepali Congress and CPN-UML prepared separate petitions to the Supreme Court challenging provisions of the House Regulations 2026 as unconstitutional, focusing on changes to amendment procedures.

Nepal's Supreme Court scheduled a ruling for June 30 on a petition challenging the government's decision to restrict official advertisements to state media only, seen as weakening freedom of expression.

The Federation of Nepali Journalists launched a National Conference in Kathmandu focusing on press freedom, communication law, and responsible journalism, criticizing government media restrictions.

Information and Communication Minister Dr. Vikram Timilsina stated that press freedom cannot be violated and emphasized the government's commitment to democracy and open dialogue with journalists.

Nepal's government approved the National Advertising Policy 2026 to regulate social media, artificial intelligence, and digital advertising with mandatory self-declaration and consumer protection against misleading advertisements.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah's government faced criticism during its first 100 days for restrictive media policies, including directing public advertising to state media, sparking nationwide protests.

District courts in Nepal issued interim orders removing news, bypassing Press Council Nepal's jurisdiction, prompting media bodies to condemn this as judicial overreach threatening press freedom.