Contempt case against NBA President: SC orders audio/video collection

Kathmandu, January 7 — The Supreme Court has ordered the collection of audio and video materials in the contempt of court case against Nepal Bar Association President Gopal Krishna Ghimire.

The order was issued by the bench of Justices Nahakul Subedi and Abdul Aziz Musalman.

Earlier, the court had directed Ghimire to submit a written explanation regarding why no action to be taken against him for contempt of court.

The report prepared by the Supreme Court's Deputy Registrar, Govinda Prasad Ghimire, requesting action against Ghimire for contempt of court, had been filed before Dashain.

During the first hearing of the report, Justices Kumar Regmi and Kumar Chudal directed Ghimire to submit a written response either personally or through his representative within seven days. After this order, Ghimire submitted a written response on behalf of the Bar.

Ghimire, President of the Nepal Bar Association, had made public remarks regarding judicial appointments that allegedly affected the credibility of the Chief Justice and the judiciary. As a result, Deputy Registrar Govinda Ghimire had prepared the report calling for contempt action.

The Judicial Council had also issued a press release expressing regret over the comments made by the Bar President.

The Bar President’s comments against the court, the Judicial Council, and the Chief Justice were alleged to be misleading and damaging to public trust.

These remarks were made in response to the Judicial Council's recommendation to appoint only two judges to the Supreme Court despite the Chief Justice’s retirement. Ghimire had also criticized the Council's decision, calling it unconstitutional.

Nepal Bar Association has been protesting the rule that places seniority for judicial appointments in a way that places Chief Justice below other judges, calling it unconstitutional.

They have demanded the abolition of this rule, stating that no judicial appointments should take place without addressing this issue.

The controversy arose after the Judicial Council recommended the appointment of two judges on September 27 , which led to Ghimire’s public criticism.