KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court has received multiple writ petitions challenging the government’s decision to ban various social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, that are not registered in Nepal.

Senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi filed one of the petitions on Friday, and it is currently in the process of being registered.

The government’s decision was based on a Supreme Court ruling from September 29, 2024, that called for online platforms to register with authorities to ensure accountability.

However, petitioners argue that the government has overstepped its authority by implementing an outright ban instead of creating a regulatory framework.

The petition claims the ban is unconstitutional and violates the fundamental rights to freedom of thought, expression, and communication.

Tripathi argued that the ban is an extreme and arbitrary measure that goes far beyond what is necessary to address the issue.

The writ names the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, and Nepal Telecom as the opposing parties.

Assistant Supreme Court Spokesperson Niranjan Pandey confirmed that several petitions have been received and are being studied before registration.