Kathmandu — The ruling Nepali Congress has said the government’s decision to ban social media platforms should not be strictly enforced until a law is in place, as directed by the Supreme Court. The conclusion came from the Central Working Committee meeting held on Sunday at party president Sher Bahadur Deuba’s residence in Budhanilkantha.
Party leader Bal Bahadur KC said the meeting noted that the Supreme Court had already issued a mandamus requiring the government to regulate social media through legislation. Without such a law, the party concluded, imposing a blanket ban would not be appropriate.
“The government’s move to restrict social media was discussed in detail,” KC told reporters. “Since the Supreme Court has already ordered regulation through legislation, any action must comply with that directive. Until then, strict enforcement of the ban cannot proceed.”
The meeting also stressed the need to understand the government’s official position before taking further steps. It also decided that the party will register to participate in the upcoming by-election for Manang Province Assembly Constituency-2, scheduled for November 2.
On Thursday, the government announced that all unregistered social media platforms operating in Nepal would be shut down. The decision has faced strong criticism, with many arguing it is unconstitutional without a legal framework.
