Kathmandu. The Online Journalists’ Association has expressed serious concern over the order of the Kathmandu District Court to remove the news content published in businessnews.com.

Issuing a press release, the association said that its serious attention has been drawn to the order issued by the Kathmandu District Court.

KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu District Court has ordered the government to remove a news report about Cimex Inc Pvt Ltd published on businessnews.com.

Issuing a press release today, the association said the court’s verdict has raised questions on the spirit of journalism and press freedom.

The Kathmandu District Court had issued an interim order on June 7 and ordered the government not to publish or disseminate the related news material until the final decision is made.

Issuing a press release today, the Association reminded that as per Clause 5 (8) of the Journalist Code of Conduct, 2073 BS, the news published in online media should not be removed as far as possible.

The association has expressed concern over the court’s order to remove the news without reaching any conclusion about the veracity or falsity of the news. The association has claimed that the order to remove the news before the final verdict is made will weaken the main purpose of journalism and the right to disseminate information on issues of public concern.

“Earlier, the court had issued interim orders to remove the news published in nepalkhabar.com and setopati, jimandu.com, but these orders were later revoked.

Expressing confidence that the court would play a positive role in the promotion and protection of press freedom, the association has urged all sides to respect the final judicial decision, abide by the constitution and law and maintain dignity of judiciary.