KATHMANDU: The Judicial Officer Society has strongly condemned the assault on Judges Dr. Khushi Prasad Tharu and Arjun Maharjan of the Janakpur High Court’s Birgunj bench during a violent incident inside the courtroom.

General Secretary Abidhan Sapkota issued a statement describing the act as a serious attack on the dignity and independence of the judiciary. The Society has demanded full security assurance for all members of the judiciary.

Calling the assault “a criminal act” that undermines the rule of law, the Society stated: “We deeply regret and strongly denounce this disgraceful and criminal act carried out during a court session, which gravely insults the independence and dignity of Nepal’s judiciary.”

The Society emphasized that the judiciary is a core and sensitive organ of the state and that the constitution envisions an independent and competent judicial system. It also urged the government to promptly investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.

Furthermore, it called on the Supreme Court administration and relevant authorities to immediately implement effective security measures to protect judges, court officials, and staff during judicial proceedings. The Society appealed to all political parties, citizens, and media to act responsibly and respect legal processes, avoiding violence and unlawful conduct.

On Thursday, a group of cadres from the CPN-Majority faction allegedly entered the courtroom and threw black soot on the two judges, accusing them of delivering a controversial verdict. Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the assault.

The attack followed the judges’ recent verdict acquitting former Minister and Nepali Congress leader Mohammad Aftab Alam in a high-profile case. Alam had been accused of burning a bomb blast victim alive in a brick kiln in Rautahat in 2008.