Cimex Inc., the official distributor of BYD electric vehicles in Nepal, has filed a case against Biznessnews, operated by Business Venture Media Pvt. Ltd., challenging a series of news published by the outlet. Following the petition, the Kathmandu District Court ordered the immediate removal of 66 news news.

Biznessnews has consistently reported on alleged irregularities involving Cimex Inc. in BYD vehicle imports. However, the court ordered the removal of all 66 news without examining the factual basis of each individual story.

In its order dated Ashar 5, the bench of Kathmandu District Court Judge Jagat Bahadur Poudel directed Biznessnews and Business Venture Media Pvt. Ltd. not to publish or broadcast the specified content until the final settlement of the case. The court also ordered the immediate removal of the published news and directed the media outlet to prevent further dissemination of the content.

The order continued an earlier interim order issued on Jestha 25. That earlier order by Judge Tej Bahadur Khadka had called both parties for discussion and sought clarification regarding news allegedly containing unverified or misleading information about BYD vehicles imported and sold in Nepal. It did not direct the removal of any published content.

An interim order is generally a temporary measure intended to preserve the status quo while a case remains under consideration. In Nepali legal practice, it is unusual for such an order to result in the removal of a large body of published news content without detailed examination of each report.

Among the news ordered to be removed are stories based on official findings and decisions of government bodies. These include news on a decision of the Revenue Tribunal, customs investigations into vehicle imports, and government inquiries into vehicle inspection procedures.

The news also cited information from official systems and investigations, including findings related to vehicle imports before the budget announcement and inquiries conducted by the Department of Customs. These were matters of public record and government action.

Biznessnews stands by the accuracy of its reporting and remains prepared to defend the factual basis of every report it has published. We believe it is inappropriate to order the blanket removal of dozens of news without examining their individual content and supporting evidence.

We recognise our responsibility to ensure that published news is accurate, verified, and in the public interest. At the same time, we are concerned that an order directing a media outlet to remove published news and refrain from future reporting raises serious questions about press freedom.

Article 19 of the Constitution of Nepal protects freedom of communication and prohibits prior censorship. Directing a media outlet not to publish news before a final judicial determination risks undermining that constitutional protection.

The Constitution also prohibits the closure of media outlets, confiscation of materials, or other actions solely because news has been published or broadcast. Ordering the removal of online news news effectively erases publicly available information and removes an important historical record.

If a report is proven false, legal remedies such as correction, rebuttal, apology, or compensation are available. However, the outright removal of news content should be approached with caution in a democratic society that values transparency and accountability.

The relationship between the judiciary and the media is both sensitive and essential. Courts uphold the rule of law, while the media serves the public by reporting matters of public interest. We remain committed to responsible journalism, respect for the law, and adherence to professional standards.

As we are not satisfied with the continuation of the interim order and the directive to remove 66 news, we will pursue all available legal remedies.