Kathmandu, February 26

Federation of Nepali Journalists today issued a press release stating that its attention had been drawn to the Supreme Court’s order in a contempt of court case filed against Kantipur Daily.

The journalists’ umbrella organisation said it was the constitutional right of media outlets to decide what it should publish or broadcast. It also said the constitution had guaranteed full freedom to press realising its importance. It will comment further on the SC’s order after holding discussions with stakeholders, read the press release.

The SC said that Kantipur Daily’s news and views about the chief justice was prima facie, misleading and bereft of facts, and therefore, the Press Council Nepal should investigate the matter and prevent the daily from publishing such news and views again.

The Supreme Court had ordered Chairman of Kantipur Media Group Kailash Sirohiya, Managing Director, Swastika Sirohiya and Chief Editor Sudheer Sharma and Correspondent Krishna Gyawali to appear before it within 72 hours.

A single bench of Chief Justice Gopal Parajuli issued the order in response to the contempt of court case filed by Advocate Toyanath Dhungana against Sirohiya and other defendants.