Nepal Bar Association Protests Restrictions on Lawyers' Entry to Singha Durbar

Kathmandu. The government has restricted lawyers from entering Singha Durbar based on the identity cards issued by the Nepal Bar Council and the Nepal Bar Association. Kedar Koirala, General Secretary of the Nepal Bar Association, stated that they were informed that the entry of lawyers into Singha Durbar was restricted based on the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs, following a circular from the Ministry of Law.

Lawyers have been granted entry based on the identity cards of the Bar Council and the Nepal Bar since 2046 BS. Entry was mandatory for lawyers as the Administrative Court is also located inside Singha Durbar. 

Furthermore, entry was not restricted as lawyers frequently attend the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Parliamentary Hearing Committee. Immediately after the new government took office, restrictions on lawyers' entry into Singha Durbar have been tightened.

After the entry of lawyers into Singha Durbar was restricted based on the Ministry of Law's circular, Nepal Bar Association President Bijay Prasad Mishra stated that he had drawn the attention of the Law Secretary and the Home Secretary. 'We have drawn attention after the entry of lawyers into Singha Durbar was tightened,' said President Mishra. 

The Nepal Bar has also drawn the attention of the Attorney General regarding the restriction on lawyers. Today (Wednesday), the Nepal Bar Association is also sending a letter of attention to the Prime Minister's Secretariat and the Chief Secretary.

Meanwhile, Saroj Raj Regmi, Registrar of the Administrative Court, issued a notice stating that lawyers must enter based on the Singha Durbar gate pass from the Nagarik App. The notice mentions that parties to the case and their representatives will be allowed entry based on the court appearance notice.