Media law deemed ineffective

KATHMANDU, April 4 - Lawyers , journalistsand university professors on Monday suggested to journalists that they defy media law if the government reintroduces it through ordinance, pointing out that the Supreme Court had already declared its objective as ill-intended.

Speaking at an interaction on Media Ordinance and Rule of Ordinances organized by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) on the eve of expiry of the controversial Media Ordinance in the capital, they argued that it would be immoral of the government if its promulgates the Ordinance ignoring the court's decision.

"It will be against previous precedents set by (Supreme) Court if such an ordinance is issued again," said Nepal Bar Association president Shambhu Thapa. He said NBA would continue its fight against the Ordinance in the court in connection with its long-term effect on the media.

NBA's former Secretary Satish Krishna Kharel said the present government does not enjoy the right to run the country through ordinances constitutionally, legally and morally. "An ordinance can be issued only if a people-elected government feels it necessary when parliament is not sitting and not by an unaccountable one."

"The government's one-door policy has been misused for providing some flatterers while the media council is being mulled to control media, going against its original objective of keeping the state-run media away from government influence," FNJ president Bishnu Nishthuri said.

"It has become clear that the media ordinance was introduced six months ago to control the media systematically, as journalists did not comply with threats from the royal regime and continued struggling for freedom," former FNJ President Tara Nath Dahal said.

Columnist CK Lal said the ordinance with zero-legitimacy does not deserve to be issued again. "When we analyze its description, objective and effect, there is no ground for issuing it again," Lal said. "It is already clear that it was promulgated with the motive to take revenge against journalists who do not respect the autocratic regime."

Former Supreme Court justice and former Press Council Chairman Kedar Nath Acharya advised the government to carry out intensive discussion with media persons and experts before issuing the ordinance.

President of Nepal University Teachers Association Bhupati Dhakal and former Press Council Chairman Harihar Birahi urged journalists to defy the ordinance if it is issued again.