KATHMANDU: The Nepal Bar Association has objected to the Home Ministry’s directive instructing police not to investigate incidents of vandalism, arson, and looting during the recent Gen-Z protests.

In a statement issued today, General Secretary Kedar Koirala said the ministry’s decision to defer investigations to the commission led by Gauri Bahadur Karki would only deepen the national crisis.

He argued that waiting for the commission’s report instead of allowing routine police investigations would foster impunity and encourage violence.

“The Home Ministry’s notice clearly undermines the criminal justice system, promotes impunity, and signals protection for violence,” the statement read. “Halting investigations into criminal acts committed during the Gen-Z protests by vested groups is in direct violation of the Criminal Code (2017) and the Criminal Procedure Code (2017).”

The Bar Association demanded the immediate reversal of what it called a “flawed decision,” urging the government to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens’ lives and property. It called on authorities to bring anyone involved in unlawful activities during the protests under legal action without delay.