The Nepal Media Society (NMS) has urged that the Supreme Court rectify its interim order directing the Press Council to probe news reports published by Kantipur Daily that highlighted discrepancies in the birth date mentioned by Chief Justice Gopal Prasad Parajuli in official documents.

Issuing a press statement on Monday, the NMS pointed out that recent episodes including the ongoing contempt of court case against Kantipur Daily at the SC is against the fundamental right of Freedom of Press which is ensured by the Constitution.

“It is beyond imagination that the leadership of the judiciary, which is the guardian of press freedom, in a vengeful way is trying to discourage the autonomy of other state organs,” read the statement.

The NMS also opined that there is no alternative to promote a favourable environment for the press to perform their duties without hindrances to maintain transparency in a ‘Loktrantrik’ society.

“The NMS strongly objects towards the attitude of the respected judiciary to silence the citizens and impose pre-censorship on free press,” read the NMS statement.

Meanwhile, the NMS also expressed its belief that the judiciary would express its commitment regarding its responsibility urging all abide by the spirit of the constitution.