The Supreme Court has summoned the defendants and the petitioner to discuss a stay order in deported Canadian citizen Robert Penner’s case within three days.

A single bench of Acting Chief Justice Sushila Karki on Monday issued the order 

in response to a petition filed by Penner against his expulsion on the charge of inciting “disharmony through social media”.

The Home Ministry had, on May 3, ordered Penner to leave Nepal within two days. Principal scientist at Cloud Factory, an IT company, Penner commented on Nepal’s political issues and engaged in debate with Nepali writers and journalists on social media. The apex court has asked the Immigration Department for reasons to detain him and cancel his visa. Due to the lack of time, Penner was also deprived of a fair trial. 

Proponents of freedom of expression have voiced dissatisfaction at the government’s move while many have appreciated it. The court will make give its verdict after hearing from both the parties. Penner has already left the country.