KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the continued detention of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane and former Deputy Inspector General of Police Chhabilal Joshi. The ruling came from a joint bench comprising Justices Nahakul Subedi and Bal Krishna Dhakal, affirming the earlier decision by the Butwal bench of the High Court.

In addition to extending their detention, the apex court issued a stern warning against making defamatory or disrespectful remarks about judges and their rulings.

“During the hearing, the Deputy Attorney General, along with senior advocates and other legal representatives, informed the court that derogatory and inappropriate comments targeting judges of the Tulsipur, Butwal bench were being circulated on social media and other public forums,” the court’s order stated. “This has drawn the serious attention of the bench.”

The justices underscored that while critical analysis of judicial decisions is a cornerstone of democratic discourse, orchestrated attempts to malign judges or mislead the public could undermine the justice system and create unnecessary obstacles in the administration of justice.

The case involving Lamichhane and Joshi has drawn nationwide attention, with legal and political implications continuing to unfold.