The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has urged the Supreme Court to correct its recent order on the contempt of court case against Kantipur Daily.

Issuing a statement on Wednesday, FNJ General Secretary Ramesh Bista said that the order was against the spirit of the Constitution and freedom of press and expression.

“The FNJ can’t tolerate the pre-censorship imposed by any agencies on the press prior to publishing or broadcasting the news,” the statement read. “The FNJ will always stand firm against these kinds of restrictions.”

Similarly, the FNJ expressed its confidence that the media houses are alert and committed towards the professional security of journalists, editorial freedom, and compliance of journalists code of conduct.

 “It is the right of media to decide which materials should be published and broadcast,” read the statement. “The new constitution of Nepal has ensured complete press freedom, thereby making the rights and importance of the media clear.”

Earlier on 25, the Supreme Court had filed a contempt of course case against the Kantipur Daily for publishing a series of news regarding discrepancies in the birth date mentioned by Chief Justice Gopal Parajuli in his official documents.

The Supreme Court had ordered Chairman and Managing Director of Kantipur Publications Kailash Sirohiya, Director Swastika Sirohiya, Kantipur daily Editor-in-Chief Sudheer Sharma and journalist Krishna Gyawali to appear in person before the court within three days of receiving the order. 

The apex court had also ordered the press council to probe the news reports published by the Kantipur Daily.

The FNJ said that it has clear position that the news published or broadcast in the media cannot dishonor the court.