Chief Justice Warns of Social Media Threats to Burn Judges’ Homes and Attack Their Families

Kathmandu: Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut has expressed serious concern over misleading propaganda and threats of physical attacks against judges and the judiciary circulating on social media and some media outlets. Speaking in an interview with BBC Nepali on Friday, he drew the government’s attention to the growing impact of such campaigns on the security and morale of judges.

He said AI-generated content is increasingly being used on social media to discredit judges and spread hatred against the courts. “Threats of burning down judges’ homes, attacking their families, and attacking judges in organized ways are constantly appearing on social media,” he said.

According to the Chief Justice, such content is being circulated to pressure judges even before cases reach the court or before verdicts are delivered. He said this environment makes it difficult for judges to deliver justice independently.

He claimed that these attacks involve people from political circles as well as vested interests. He said losing parties in court cases are organizing conspiracies against the judiciary. He questioned where such practices would ultimately lead the justice system.

Chief Justice Raut said he has discussed the growing security challenges faced by the judiciary with the Home Minister and the Law Minister. He said the government has assured steps to ensure judges’ safety and to control those spreading confusion against the courts. He also said police have arrested some individuals and further investigations are ongoing.

Responding to concerns about transparency in the judiciary, he said the possibility of fixing cases has ended after the introduction of the lottery system. “The lottery is drawn at 10:30 and the judge goes to the bench at 11:00. This has prevented many irregularities,” he said. He acknowledged that shortcomings may still exist and pledged strict action against anyone involved, whether staff or judges.

He also said judges cannot hold press conferences and are compelled to speak only through court orders and verdicts. Urging responsibility from society and the media, he said, “We cannot afford to advertise too much. Whatever we have to say, we will say through orders and decisions.” He stressed that independent justice is impossible unless the dignity of the judiciary and the safety of judges are respected.

 

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