Mar 26, Kathmandu - Senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balendra Shah, visited the Supreme Court to attend a contempt of court hearing scheduled for upcoming days, just before he takes the oath as Prime Minister.

Shah, who is set to be sworn in on Friday, Chaitra 13, in accordance with Vedic rituals, appeared at the Supreme Court's administrative wing on Thursday, Chaitra 12, to understand the case’s hearing date. He reportedly received the notice for his contempt case, which is scheduled for Jestha 14, from court officials.

The Member of Parliament from Jhapa-5, Shah, had previously made strong statements after the Kathmandu Metropolitan City issued an interim order preventing the screening of a Hindi film, which led to a backlash against him when he was still the mayor.

The contempt case was filed by lawyer Byas Kumari Jha, citing Shah’s social media posts that criticized the judiciary and government, linking them with neighboring countries. In a Facebook post, Shah declared, “I am ready to face punishment, but films will not run and will not be allowed to run,” which was seen as a defiance of the court’s order. 

The case is being prosecuted under the Judicial Administration Act, 2073, Section 17, and Supreme Court Rules, 2074, Rule 59, which prescribe severe penalties for contempt of court. Lawyer Jha emphasized that statements made by public officials on social media that disobey court orders are unacceptable and legally questionable.

The joint bench of Justices Ishwor Prasad Khatiwda and Hari Phuyal declined Shah’s request for a hearing date, citing his own appearance in court. Shah personally appeared at the Supreme Court on Thursday for the scheduled hearing. 
The Supreme Court’s administrative wing has fixed Jestha 14 for the contempt hearing, where both parties will be heard.