New Media Law Introduced

Kathmandu, Oct 9 King Gyanendra has promulgated an ordinance which amends the existing press laws in the country.The ordinance promulgated is the "Ordinance amending some Nepal Act related to Media-2062".

It is said that the ordinance has introduced the controversial press law reportedly passed by the Cabinet some four months ago to curb press freedom in Nepal.

The new law prohibits an organisation or individual from receiving licenses to operate radio, television and newspapers. Those who have already been granted licenses to operate all the three media previously must choose any two within a year.

The controversial press law, which the government could not introduce back then following immense pressure from national and international communities, prohibits an organization or individual from receiving licenses to operate radio, television and newspapers.

It also contained new legal provisions to prohibit any news item that “causes hatred or disrespect” to the king and members of the royal family, as opposed to only the king previously.

Fines and punishment for those found violating the laws has been increased in the press law. It also had provision for fining editors or publishers publishing "materials deemed to be falling under banned items" up to Rs.100,000, instead of the previous Rs.10,000. Similarly, anyone publishing, translating and importing banned items would be liable to face a fine 10 times more than the present amount of Rs.50,000.