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The Supreme Court has issued a show cause order demanding written clarification from the defendants over the writ petition filed against the appointment of Deepak Raj Joshi as Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board.

A single bench of Justice Kumar Chundal today issued the order to the government to submit written clarification within 15 days.

Dhananjaya Regmi, another competitor for the same post, on Tuesday filed a writ petition seeking an order asking the government not to implement the decision to appoint Joshi.

In the petition, Regmi argued that Joshi was appointed against the rules using discretionary powers rather than being based on the outcome of the examinations taken for the same and appointed him to the post scrapping the board decision.

The meeting of the NTB Board of Directors on Thursday had decided to appoint Joshi as the CEO. Joshi has already assumed his post.

While Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML have argued that the decision of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) to extend no-construction zone along riverbanks by an additional 20 meters will displace people, Mayor Balendra Shah aka Balen has stated that houses along riverbanks will not be demolished under the new guidelines.

Also, Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal has also called for a review of the Supreme Court’s decision. Speaking to officials of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce on Sunday, he emphasized the need to revisit the Court’s ruling. “Some aspects of the ruling are difficult to implement, and the government is working on that matter,” he added.

In a post on his social media page on Sunday, Mayor Shah said that the government would need to provide compensation if houses falling within the guidelines were to be demolished. “Be assured that no house falling under the new guidelines will be demolished,” Shah wrote. “If demolition becomes necessary, the government must provide compensation.”

The decision, however, has faced obstacles, with both ruling parties Nepali Congress and CPN-UML urging the KMC to reconsider the decision.

The CPN-UML Kathmandu District Committee submitted a seven-point memorandum to Mayor Shah, demanding the scrapping of the decision. UML has argued that the decision affects hundreds of thousands of people living on the riverbanks and warned of severe consequences if the decision is not reversed.

The Kathmandu District Committee of the NC has also opposed the decision. Issuing a joint statement, NC Kathmandu District Committee President Nilkaji Shakya and leader Srijana Singh claimed that the KMC’s decision puts numerous religious and historical sites, including Pashupatinath, Guhyeshwari, Teku, Pachali Ghat and Shobha Bhagwati temples, at risk. The party said that the decision not only causes distress in the economic, physical, cultural and social lives of people living in the metropolis, but also infringes upon the fundamental right to housing as guaranteed by the Constitution.

In a post on his social media page on July 31, KMC Mayor Balen Shah said the metropolis has decided to prohibit construction within an additional 20 meters from riverbanks in the Kathmandu Valley, doubling the buffer from riverbanks to 40 meters. Shah said the decision was based on a Supreme Court verdict.

The opposition to Balen’s decision is not limited to external political parties. Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol has also expressed her disagreement with the manner in which the notice was issued. During the 35th Municipal Executive meeting, Dangol criticized the mayor for causing panic among the citizens.

Meanwhile, the government has formed a committee under Padma Kumar Mainali, joint-secretary at the Ministry of Urban Development, to study the issue, giving it until September 10 to submit its report. 

The committee will study all aspects of the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the prohibition on construction within an additional 20 meters from the banks of the Bagmati river and its tributaries in the valley.

The demarcation of riverbanks in the valley dates back to 2008 when the then cabinet had decided to prohibit construction within 20 meters of the banks of Bagmati, Bishnumati and Manohara rivers and within 4-20 meters of rivulets. The Supreme Court order on 18 Dec 2022, extended this to 40 meters.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a short-term interim order directing the government not to immediately cancel the process of appointing the chairman of the Securities Board of Nepal (Sebon).

A single bench of Justice Abdul Ajij Musalman issued a short-term interim order and called both sides on July 5 for discussion.

The bench has demanded written clarification from the defendants.

The Recommendation Committee decided to scrap the process after three out of five candidates shortlisted for the post of chairperson did not appear in the interview.

Santosh Narayan Shrestha, who was shortlisted for the post of chairman, had filed a writ at the apex court demanding to annul the decision.

The Recommendation Committee had received 19 applications for the post of chairman.

Among them, the Committee had shortlisted five names.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday scrapped a writ petition filed by outgoing Chief Minister Kedar Karki against the Koshi government.

A full bench of Justices scrapped the writ filed by Kedar Karki against the Koshi government.

Karki had filed a writ at the Supreme Court demanding that Chief Minister Hikmat Karki be relieved of his post and he be restored to his former position.

Province Chief Parshuram Khapung relieved Karki of his post after he did not seek a vote of confidence even after the parties participating in the government withdrew their support within 30 days.

Karki moved the apex court after Hikmat Karki was appointed as the Chief Minister with the support of 52 lawmakers of CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center) as per Article 168 (150) of the Constitution.

A writ petition has been filed against Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane at the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday.

Stating that the DPM was involved in embezzling the cooperative funds, lawyer Anupam Bhattarai lodged the writ petition at the SC demanding to remove him from the post.

A single bench of Justice Tek Prasad Dhungana issued an order to register the writ petition, scrapping the previous order to not register the writ petition against the Home Minister on May 22.

The hearing for the petition has been determined for May 29.  

The writ petition has also demanded to suspend Home Minster Lamichhane from the post and scrap the letter of Office of the Attorney General. 

The letter mentioned that there is no case against Lamichhane.

The Supreme Court has launched online registration of cases and sending notification of the cause list via the automated system from today.

Inaugurating the service, Chief Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha expressed the confidence that with the launching of this service it would be easy and convenient for the people from the far-flung areas to avail of this service. 

He said preparations are being made to gradually implement this system developed by the Supreme Court's Information Technology Section at the High and District courts as well. The Chief Justice urged one and all to cooperate in making this accomplishment successful.

"Information technology promotes transparency and this technology has been used to provide access to justice to the members of the general public and people living in remote areas. All the writs and cases can now be registered online. This should be made successful," he added.

It is believed that the use of this system will facilitate remote and online registration of cases through firms, which will reduce both the cost and time of in-person registration of cases at the court.  

Likewise, the Supreme Court has stated that no fees are charged for using this system for registering cases, works like case registration will gradually be paperless and management of archives will be easier with the development of the digital files of cases, among others.

A recent audio clip referencing a Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court and implicating the chairpersons of Annapurna Media Network and Kantipur Media Group has caused significant controversy in Nepal, drawing widespread attention and debate.

In response to these events, the Supreme Court has taken action by summoning Yuvaraj Kandel, the publisher of sidhakura.com, along with Navin Dhungana, the executive editor of the website, to face accusations of contempt of court. This move is based on allegations that the website released ‘fake’ audiovisual news reports that defamed a sitting Supreme Court Justice, senior legal professionals, and various media figures.

The reports claimed that Justice Ananda Mohan Bhattarai, Chairperson of Annapurna Media Network Capt Rameshwar Thapa, and Chairperson of Kantipur Media Group Kailash Sirohiya, along with other notable figures such as Surendra Kafle, a special correspondent for the Annapurna Post, and senior advocates Hari Upreti and Kishor Bista, were involved in a secretive meeting. The reports suggested that this meeting’s purpose was to dismiss over 400 corruption cases.

Given the severity of the claims and their potential impact on public trust in the judiciary, the apex court has also directed Nepal Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. The court’s actions underscore the importance of addressing false information that could harm public institutions and individuals’ reputations. It also sends a clear message about the seriousness of disseminating fake news that can damage the credibility of the judiciary. If such cases are not investigated rigorously, it could encourage the spread of similar misinformation, further eroding trust in public institutions and the media.

To prevent incidents like this from occurring in the future, it’s crucial that all branches of government—the executive, legislative, judiciary and media—operate effectively and independently. When each state organ performs its functions with integrity and without interference from others, the overall system becomes more robust and resistant to misinformation and corruption.

In a well-functioning system, the executive branch ensures that laws are implemented fairly and transparently, the legislative branch enacts clear and just legislation, and the judiciary interprets these laws impartially, upholding justice and the rule of law. This balance among the branches provides a framework in which truth and justice can prevail, reducing the risk of false reports or conspiracy theories gaining traction.

If the leadership in these branches upholds high standards of conduct and accountability, it creates an environment where trust can flourish. This trust, in turn, minimizes the chances of misleading information and corruption, causing chaos or undermining the credibility of key institutions.

When controversies or misconduct emerge involving members of any state organ, it is crucial that the leadership takes swift and decisive action. This demonstrates accountability and reinforces the principles of integrity and public trust. For instance, in the past, when Bishwonath Upadhyaya served as Chief Justice, there was a controversy involving Justice Har Govinda Singh Pradhan. Once it was proven that Justice Pradhan had engaged in misconduct, Chief Justice Upadhyaya responded by not assigning him any court cases, effectively relieving him of his judicial duties. This decisive action underscored the seriousness with which the judiciary addresses ethical breaches.

Similar principles should apply across all organs of the state. If an individual in the executive, legislative, or judiciary is proven guilty of misconduct or corruption, the leadership must take appropriate measures to ensure accountability. This could involve removing the individual from their duties, initiating disciplinary proceedings, or taking legal action as required by the severity of the misconduct.

By doing so, the leadership sets a standard of ethical behavior and sends a clear message that no one is above the law. It also helps restore public confidence in the system, assuring citizens that those in power are held to the same standards as everyone else. This approach fosters a culture of responsibility and deters others from engaging in unethical practices.

In my earlier op-ed, I argued that Nepal should aim to be a society where truth is revered and upheld in all facets of life. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for authorities to operate with near-total impunity, often infringing on both political and economic rights. This reality weakens the principle of justice, a principle that should be at the heart of governance.

To tackle this, we need a legal framework that fosters honesty and respect across the board. This involves not just creating new laws but also rigorously enforcing existing ones to ensure they serve the purpose of promoting truth and justice. When individuals spread false information or incite hatred, there should be tangible consequences, regardless of their rank or status. This standard should be applied equally to all, whether they’re ordinary citizens, influential politicians, high-ranking bureaucrats, or even members of the judiciary.

No one should be above the law. Anyone found guilty of disseminating falsehoods or engaging in hate speech must be held accountable and subjected to appropriate penalties. This kind of enforcement is essential for maintaining social harmony and ensuring that no one can manipulate public sentiment without facing repercussions.

In recent times, many state and constitutional organs in Nepal have faced criticism and controversy, struggling to maintain a positive image or deliver effective governance. However, one notable exception has been the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) under the leadership of Prem Kumar Rai. His tenure as chief commissioner of the CIAA has been marked by a distinct absence of controversy, and his long career in the bureaucracy had also demonstrated integrity and commitment to the public good.

Rai’s leadership style serves as a model for effective governance. He has managed to steer the CIAA with a clear focus on its core mission—to investigate and prevent the abuse of authority and corruption. This kind of leadership is precisely what other state and constitutional organs need to emulate if they are to regain public confidence and ensure the proper functioning of government.

To bring about meaningful reform and reduce controversies within state and constitutional organs, the effort must begin with politicians, who often play pivotal roles in shaping the direction of governance. Politicians have significant influence across all levels of government, and their actions can either promote integrity or foster corruption. If they are involved in unethical practices, it undermines the entire system and erodes public trust.

The author is a member of the Supreme Court Bar and has been practicing corporate law for around three decades. Views are personal

The Supreme Court has summoned Yuvaraj Kandel, publisher of sidhakura.com, and Navin Dhungana, executive editor, to respond to allegations of contempt of court. 

The case stems from the publication of fake audiovisual news reports defaming a sitting justice, senior advocates, and media personalities. Justices Nahkul Subedi and Tek Prasad Dhungana on Monday ordered Kandel and Dhungana to appear before the court on May 2 at 10 am to justify their dissemination of fake content undermining the independent judiciary.

The Supreme Court initiated a suo moto contempt case against Kandel and Dhungana following fraudulent news reports published on sidhakura.com and its YouTube channel. The reports accused  Justice Ananda Mohan Bhattarai, Chairperson of Annapurna Media Network Capt Rameshwar Thapa, and Chairperson of Kantipur Media Group Kailash Sirohiya, special correspondent of Annapurna Post Surendra Kafle, and senior advocates Hari Upreti and Kishor Bista, among others, of organizing a clandestine meeting to dismiss more than 400 corruption cases.

The apex court has also directed Nepal Police to investigate the matter.

Thapa and Sirohiya have denounced the fake contents, labeling them premeditated and malicious. The press fraternity and regulatory bodies have also expressed concerns over the contents published by sidhakura.com.

Govinda Ghimire, deputy registrar at the Supreme Court, filed a petition on behalf of the Supreme Court on Sunday as per Article 128(4) of the Constitution of Nepal, section 17(1) of the Judicial Administration Act and Supreme Court regulations. The petition demands maximum punishment for the defendants under relevant laws. 

The Supreme Court said that the prima facie finding of the contents published by sidhakura.com suggest that they were created to scandalize the court.     

Meanwhile, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has also urged the authorities concerned to investigate and take action against sidhakura.com.

Issuing a statement on Monday, the anti-graft body said that it is inconceivable for the commission to be involved in any other activities other than following the decision of the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court and investigating and prosecuting complaints within its jurisdiction.

The CIAA also refuted any involvement in misleading activities, as claimed by sidhakura.com.

In response to the contempt case, sidhakura.com has removed the fake videos from its platforms. This move comes after initially refusing to comply with instructions from the Press Council Nepal. 

Press Council Chairman Balkrishna Basnet said they ordered sidhakura.com to take down the audiovisual contents within 24 hours. The contents were suspicious at a first glance, they were clearly biased, not based on any facts, and in violation of the journalistic code of ethics, he added.

The Supreme Court has issued a directive to the government to grant affiliation to the Jhapa-based B&C Medical College.

A joint bench of Justices Kumar Chundal and Saranga Subedi issued the directive on Monday to grant affiliation to the B & C Medical College.

A controversy had erupted regarding the affiliation of the Medical College opened by medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai.

After not getting the affiliation even by completing all the procedures, Prasai filed a case on October 16, 2020.

Police have arrested a person with an automatic weapon from the Supreme Court premises on Monday.

He is Deepak Khadka of Buddhashanti Rural Municipality-3, Jhapa district, said Superintendent of Police Nawaraj Adhikari, the spokesperson for the District Police Range Kathmandu.

"Police personnel on security duty at the Supreme Court took Khadka under control as he entered the court carrying the automatic weapon and handed him over to us. Investigation is on in this connection," Adhikari said.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued an order directing the government to not block the roads in the name of VIP vehicles.

Responding to a writ petition filed by advocate Gyaneshwor Koirala six years ago, a joint bench of Justices Manoj Kumar Sharma and Mahesh Sharma issued such a verdict today.

Advocate Koirala on February 2, 2018 had filed a writ petition stating that blocking the roads in the name of VIP vehicles would cause inconvenience to the general public.

He had filed the writ petition claiming that the closure of roads in the name of VIP would violate the freedom of citizens.

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers was made defendant in the writ.

On February 6, 2018, Justice Tej Bahadur KC had issued a show cause notice on the writ.

Sending a letter to the apex court, the Home Ministry had demanded the dismissal of the writ saying that stopping the vehicles for some time while going to and returning after attending official ceremonies cannot be said to be the violation of freedom of the general public.

In the reply, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers had also demanded annulment of the writ.

Former judge Bhuwan Giri’s wife attempted self-immolation on the premises of the Supreme Court on Sunday.

Giri’s wife Arati Giri, who had reached the apex court this afternoon, tried to set herself on fire by pouring petrol over her body.

Soon after the incident, police rescued her and took her to the Bir Hospital.

District Police Range, Kathmandu spokesperson Kumod Dhungel said her health condition is normal.

She has filed a marital rape case against her husband.

Earlier, the Kapilvastu District Court had issued an arrest warrant against Giri.

Later, the District Police Range, Kathmandu apprehended Giri and sent him to Kapilvastu.

After his arrest, the Kapilvastu District Court and the Kathmandu District Court released him on bail.

President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed six justices for the Supreme Court.

President Paudel appointed them as SC justices on Wednesday after the Parliamentary Hearing Committee endorsed their names.

The President appointed Saranga Shrestha, Abdul Aziz Musalman, Mahesh Sharma Paudel, Tek Prasad Dhungana, Sunil Kumar Pokharel and Bal Krishna Dhakal as SC justices at the recommendation of the Judicial Council as per Article 129 (2) of the Constitution.

Earlier this morning, the Parliamentary Hearing Committee endorsed six nominees for Supreme Court justices.

Pokharel and Dhakal are advocates while Shrestha, Musalman, Paudel and Dhungana are High Court judges.

The Supreme Court has demanded written responses from Ncell, Axiata Limited and relevant government entities—Nepal Telecommunications Authority and the Company Registrar’s Office—regarding a controversial purchase and sale of Ncell shares. A single bench of judge Prakashman Singh Raut directed Ncell, Axiata and the government entities to come up with their written responses by Jan 1 so as to decide whether or not to issue an interim order in the case. The bench issued the order after conducting a preliminary hearing on a writ from Amresh Kumar Singh, a lawmaker in the Federal Parliament.   

It may be noted that Axiata has exited Nepal after selling 80 percent shares of Ncell to Spectralite UK, a company owned by Satish Lal Acharya, a non-resident Nepali.

Subsequently, Singh moved the court demanding that the “suspicious and questionable” transaction be deemed illegal, referring to questions raised over the transaction.

The petitioner has pointed out that the transaction may have been conducted for evading taxes and for ruling out the transfer of ownership of the company with foreign investment to the government of Nepal upon completion of 25 years of its establishment (six years later), as stipulated in relevant domestic laws. 

The bench has told both the plaintiff and the defendants—Ncell, Axiata Limited, NTA and CRO—to appear before the court for discussions on Jan 1 with documents related to the transaction, to decide whether or not to issue an interim order in the case. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal responded to questions raised in the parliamentary State Affairs Committee about the transaction.

The government had formed a high-level panel under former auditor-general Tanka Mani Sharma to investigate the matter after holding meetings with top leaders of the ruling coalition and demands from the parliamentary Finance Committee for intervention. 

On its part, Ncell has said that the pricing and structure of the transaction was determined through a willing buyer and seller basis. As per the agreed deal structure, Axiata was set to receive a base payment, along with additional benefits in the form of profit-sharing for the next five years, extending until 2029, it said in a statement.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a show cause notice on the writ filed by House of Representatives independent lawmaker Amresh Kumar Singh against the Ncell share buyout.

Hearing the petition filed by Singh on December 6, Justice Prakash Man Singh issued such order.

Issuing a show cause notice, a single bench of Justice ordered both sides to be present on January 1 for discussion.

Singh had filed a writ petition demanding that the efforts of Malaysian company Axiata to sell its shares in the Nepal-based telecom company Ncell be halted at the earliest.

In the writ, he demanded a mandamus order not to give recognition to the agreement to sell 80 percent shares of Ncell by maintaining low value, violating Nepal’s rules and regulations.

On Dec 11, the Supreme Court of India delivered a historic judgment on the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A). Through its judgment, the Court has upheld the sovereignty and integrity of India, something that is cherished by every Indian. The Supreme Court rightly observed that the decision taken on 5 Aug 2019 was done with the purpose of enhancing constitutional integration and not disintegration. The Court has also recognised the fact that Article 370 was not permanent in nature.

Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh’s breathtaking landscapes, serene valleys, and majestic mountains have captivated the hearts of poets, artists and adventurers for generations. It is a place where the sublime meets the extraordinary, where the Himalayas reach for the sky, and where the pristine waters of its lakes and rivers mirror the heavens. But, for the last seven decades, these places have witnessed the worst form of violence and instability, something which the wonderful people never deserved.

Unfortunately, due to centuries of colonization, most notably economic and mental subjugation, we became a confused society of sorts. Rather than taking a clear position on very basic things, we allowed duality, leading to confusion. Sadly, Jammu and Kashmir became a big victim of such a mindset. At the time of independence, we had a choice of making a fresh start for national integration. Instead, we decided to continue with the confused society approach even if it meant ignoring the long-term national interests.

I have had the opportunity of being connected with the Jammu and Kashmir Andolan from a very early part of my life. I belong to an ideological framework where Jammu and Kashmir was not merely a political issue. But, it was about addressing the aspirations of society. Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee held an important portfolio in the Nehru Cabinet and could have remained in government for a long time. Yet, he quit the Cabinet over the Kashmir issue and preferred the tough road ahead, even if it meant paying with his life. His efforts and sacrifice led to crores of Indians becoming emotionally attached with the Kashmir issue. Years later, Atal Ji, at a public meeting in Srinagar gave the powerful message of ‘Insaniyat’, ‘Jamhooriyat’ and ‘Kashmiriyat’, which has also always been a source of great inspiration.

It was always my firm belief that what had happened in Jammu and Kashmir was a great betrayal- to our nation and to the people living there. It was also my strong desire to do whatever I can to remove this blot, this injustice done to the people. I have always wanted to work to alleviate the suffering of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

In very basic words- Articles 370 and 35 (A) were like major obstacles. It seemed like an unbreakable wall and the sufferers were the poor and downtrodden. Articles 370 and 35 (A) ensured that the people of Jammu and Kashmir never got the rights and development that the rest of their fellow Indians got. Due to these Articles, a distance was created between people belonging to the same nation. Due to this distance, many people from our nation who wanted to work to solve the problems of Jammu and Kashmir were unable to do so even if they clearly felt the pain of the people there.

As a Karyakarta who has seen the issue closely over the last several decades, I had a nuanced understanding of the specifics and the complexities of the issue. Yet, I was crystal clear about one thing—that the people of Jammu and Kashmir want development and they want to contribute to the development of India based on their strengths and skills. They also want a better quality of life for their children, a life free from violence and uncertainty.

Thus, while serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir, we gave primacy to three pillars—understanding of the citizens’ concerns, building trust through supportive actions, and prioritizing development, development and more development.

In 2014, just after we assumed office, deadly floods struck Jammu and Kashmir, with a lot of damage in the Kashmir valley. In Sept 2014, I went to Srinagar to assess the situation and also announced InRs  10bn as a special assistance for rehabilitation, signaling our government’s commitment to supporting the people during crises. I had the opportunity to meet people from different walks of life and there was one common thread in these interactions- the people not only wanted development but they also wanted freedom from the rampant corruption prevailing for decades. The same year, I decided not to mark Diwali in remembrance of those we lost in Jammu and Kashmir. I also decided to be in Jammu and Kashmir on Diwali day.

In order to further strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s development journey, we decided that our Government ministers would frequently go there and interact with people directly. These frequent visits also played a crucial role in building goodwill in Jammu and Kashmir. From May 2014 to March 2019, over 150 ministerial visits took place. This is a record in itself. The special package of 2015 was a significant step in addressing the developmental needs of Jammu and Kashmir. It contained initiatives for infrastructure development, job creation, tourism promotion and support to the handicraft industry.

We harnessed the power of sports in Jammu and Kashmir, recognising its potential to ignite the dreams of the youth. Through sporting initiatives, we witnessed the transformational impact of athletic pursuits on their aspirations and futures. Sporting venues were upgraded, training programmes were organized and coaches were made available. One of the most unique things was to encourage the setting of local football clubs. The results were outstanding. The name of the talented footballer Afshan Ashiq comes to my mind- in Dec 2014 she was a part of a stone pelting group in Srinagar but with the right encouragement she turned to football, she was sent for training and excelled in the game. I recall interacting with her in one of the Fit India Dialogues where I said it’s time to move over ‘Bend it like Beckham’ because it is now ‘Ace it like Afshan.’ Other youngsters began to shine in kickboxing, Karate and more.

The Panchayat polls were also a watershed moment in the region’s quest for all-round development. Once again, we were faced with a choice of either remaining in power or standing by our principles- the choice was never tough and we let go of a Government but preferred that those ideals that we stand for, the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are given top priority. The success of Panchayat polls indicated the democratic nature of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. My mind went back to an interaction I had with Pradhans from the villages. Among other issues, I made a request to them- that at no point must schools be burnt and that must be ensured. I was delighted to see that this was adhered to. After all, if schools are burnt the biggest sufferers are the small children.

The historical day of 5th August is etched in the hearts and minds of every Indian. Our Parliament passed the historic decision to abrogate Article 370. Since then, much has changed in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The judicial court verdict came in December 2023 but seeing the wave of development across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, the people’s court have given a resounding thumbs up to the Parliament’s decision of abolishing Articles 370 and 35(A) for four years now.

At a political level, the last 4 years have been marked with a renewed faith in grassroots democracy. The women, tribals, SC, ST and marginalized sections of society were not getting their due. At the same time, the aspirations of Ladakh were totally ignored. 5 Aug 2019 changed all that. All Central laws now apply without fear or favor. Representation has also got more widespread- a three tier Panchayati Raj System is in place, BDC elections have been held, and refugee communities who were all but forgotten have begun to enjoy the fruits of development.

Key Central Government schemes have attained saturation levels, thus covering all sections of society. These include Saubhagya, Ujwala and Ujjwala schemes. Strides have been made in housing, tap water connection and financial inclusion. Healthcare, otherwise a major challenge for the people, has witnessed an upgrade of infrastructure. All the villages achieved ODF Plus stats. Government vacancies, which were otherwise a den of corruption and favoritism have been filled in a transparent and process driven manner. Other indicators like IMR have shown betterment. The boost to infrastructure and tourism has been for everyone to see. The credit for this naturally goes to the resilience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have shown time and again that they want only development and are willing to be drivers of this positive change. Earlier, there was a question mark on the status of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Now, there are only exclamation marks about record growth, record development, record tourist inflow.
In its verdict on Dec 11, the Supreme Court has strengthened the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’—it has reminded us that what defines us is the bonds of unity and a shared commitment to good governance. Today, every child born in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is born with a clean canvas, where he or she can paint a future full of vibrant aspirations. Today, the dreams of the people are no longer prisoners of the past but are possibilities of the future. After all, Development, democracy and dignity have replaced disillusionment, disappointment and despondency.