The Nepal Police has barred its officials and personnel from meeting political figures and individuals from various power centres without prior approval from their higher office or authority.

In an internal circular issued on Sunday, the Police Headquarters said that no officer or employee may meet with individuals from any power centres without prior approval from their respective offices. The circular also warned of maximum disciplinary action, which would be recorded in their official file, if someone is found violating this directive.

“Except in the course of fulfilling official duties, no police employee is permitted to engage in meetings with any power centres or individuals,” the circular said. “Any such meeting must first be declared to the relevant office, with prior approval obtained. Any improper meetings held to serve personal interests, which could compromise the organisation’s work or be seen as unprofessional, will result in maximum punishment under police regulations, with the offence recorded on file. All officers and personnel are instructed to take this matter seriously and ensure this directive is communicated to the secretariat.”

A senior police officer explained that this circular had become necessary after several incidents where police officers and constables pressured the Police Headquarters for transfers, promotions, and rewards through political figures, ministers, administrators, and other influential figures.

The circular further stated that some members of the police force have been engaging in unprofessional conduct by meeting with individuals and power centres, disregarding the values and directives of the organisation, solely to fulfil personal ambitions. This behaviour, it noted, damaged the discipline of the force.

“The Police Headquarters has taken serious note of incidents where individuals have ignored departmental policies, breached organisational confidentiality, and undermined the professional trust between the public and the police by showing undue deference to powerful figures. Such actions create unnecessary pressure on the organisation and reflect negligence towards their responsibilities,” the circular added.

Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs had issued directives restricting the security personnel, diplomats, and politicians without prior approval in December 2022. Following the directives, Inspector General of the Armed Police Force, Raju Aryal, imposed restrictions on its staff and personnel’s meetings with the politicians and power centres without prior permission from the headquarters on December 29, 2022.