Kathmandu — Prominent journalist Dilbhusan Pathak appeared before the Kathmandu District Court on Thursday morning. According to court officials, his initial statement is scheduled to be recorded today in the courtroom of Judge Khemraj Bhatt, followed by a bail hearing.
Pathak has been charged under cybercrime laws. The Kathmandu District Government Attorney’s Office formally filed the case this past Monday. Earlier, on Asar 13 (June 27), the Cyber Bureau of the Nepal Police submitted its investigation report to the Attorney’s Office.
Notably, the case was filed without taking Pathak into custody. Police investigations state that Pathak, through his YouTube show “Tough Talk with Dilbhusan Pathak”, had broadcast a report concerning Hilton Hotel and Jaiveer Deuba, son of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba.
Court Orders and Debate on Press Freedom
Following complaints regarding the video, the Cyber Bureau issued an arrest warrant on Jestha 28 (June 10) under the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063 (2006). However, on Asar 5 (June 19), the Patan High Court ordered that Pathak should not be arrested. Earlier, on Asar 2 (June 16), the same court had issued an interim order temporarily blocking the arrest.
According to the court’s ruling, complaints related to journalistic content should be addressed through the Press Council of Nepal, and such cases do not necessarily fall under the jurisdiction of the Electronic Transactions Act.
The identity of the complainant has not been officially disclosed. The charge sheet uses a pseudonym in place of the actual name.
Today’s statement and bail hearing will determine whether Pathak will be taken into custody or allowed to remain free while legal proceedings continue. The case has sparked renewed debate over press freedom, the legal boundaries of journalism, and the right to free expression in Nepal.
