Kathmandu: Stakeholders have emphasized the necessity of reinforcing the judiciary during periods of crisis. At an interaction program organized by the Constitutional and Judicial Journalists Forum, discussions centered on safeguarding the judiciary’s existence following the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9.
According to National News Agency Nepal, speakers at the event highlighted the challenges facing the judiciary, including the destruction of over 26,000 cases and historical documents of the Supreme Court in the arson incident on September 9. Attorney General Sabita Bhandari Baral assured attendees that the files from the Office of the Attorney General remain intact and offered assistance to the Supreme Court by providing necessary files. She stressed the importance of adhering to constitutional spirit, legal processes, and democratic norms to address the judiciary’s concerns in the current context.
Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Bimal Poudel, reaffirmed that justice will not be compromised despite the significant losses. He stated, “The loss was unimaginable but not irreparable.” He emphasized the need for digitizing court documents to prevent future losses.
Prof Dr. Bijay Misha, President of the Nepal Bar Association, remarked that parliament would be restored if elections are not held on time. He pledged the association’s full support in locating past court files to aid the judiciary.
Journalist Shiva Gaunle stressed the judiciary’s role in upholding democracy and justice, urging the media to contribute to strengthening the justice system. Dharmendra Jha, Chairman of RSS, suggested that journalists provide available court documents to the judiciary, recognizing its status as an archive court.