The Supreme Court Bar Association has called for an impartial investigation into recent reports involving the chief justice and Supreme Court justices, saying the allegations and questions raised have damaged public confidence in the judiciary.

In a statement issued on Friday, the association’s secretary, Raman Kumar Karna, said the reports had raised serious concerns about the independence, impartiality and integrity of the judiciary.

“It cannot be denied that reports published over the past few days concerning the chief justice and justices have undermined the independence, impartiality and dignity of the judiciary, as well as public trust in it,” Karna said.

The controversy centres on WhatsApp exchanges between Supreme Court Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal and Inam Sapkota, who is in custody in connection with a money laundering investigation. Reports have also emerged of a meeting between the two at the Hotel Himalaya, prompting questions about the judiciary.

The association urged all concerned parties to help create an environment in which judges can perform their duties without fear or favour, while upholding judicial independence and ethical standards.

“Based on the published reports and the statements and explanations issued by the chief justice and justices, the association strongly demands that the competent authorities conduct an impartial investigation, in accordance with established principles of justice, and make the facts public without prejudice,” the statement said.

The association also said disputes over the formation of the Constitutional Bench, external interference in judicial proceedings and the involvement of middlemen in the administration of justice had weakened the institutional credibility and impartiality of the courts, further eroding public trust in the judiciary and the justice system.