Controversy Erupts Over Restricted Access to Singha Durbar

Kathmandu. Despite promises by Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane to open Singha Durbar to the public, the current government is imposing stricter entry regulations.

During his tenure as Home Minister in Jestha 2081, Lamichhane had declared that the public would no longer need special connections to enter the government complex. However, these promises have not only failed to materialize for the public but have also resulted in restricted access for legal professionals, journalists, and staff.

The administration has mandated that legal professionals must now obtain passes via the 'Nagarik App' to enter the Administrative Court located within Singha Durbar, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the Nepal Bar Association and legal experts. Senior Advocate Madhav Kumar Basnet and other stakeholders have questioned the legality of these restrictions, arguing that they impede the professional duties of lawyers who have historically accessed the premises using Bar Council identification since 2046.

Lawmaker Suhang Nembang emphasized that while the government's intent to manage overcrowding is understandable, it should not come at the cost of hindering public service delivery or professional access. He urged the government to adopt a more balanced approach to ensure that administrative order does not compromise the rights of legal practitioners.