Truth above all else

Restriction of media freedom would, in effect, lead to the limitation of civil liberties.

The full text of the verdict that quashed the writ petition filed by advocate Toyanath Dhungana in February 2018 yet again vindicates the series of news reports published by Kantipu r daily on the discrepancies in the date of birth of Chief Justice Gopal Prasad Parajuli. It, however, highlights the importance of freedom of the press once again. The verdict explicitly making it clear that fair criticism of the judiciary or any concerned justice does not amount to contempt of court comes as a milestone move at a time when democracy is under attack from all sides. It has become a clichéd argument to constantly quote the constitution on freedom of expression and freedom of the press , but such a reminder never seems to lose its significance.