Writ Filed in Supreme Court Over Destruction of Confiscated SEE Devices in Siraha
जेठ २७, २०८३ ११:५९
Kathmandu. A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court challenging the destruction of around 500 mobile phones and smartwatches confiscated from students during the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) in Siraha.
The petition was jointly filed on Monday by Advocate Anil Kumar Sah, affected examinees, and law students. The Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Examination Board, and the District Examination Coordination Committee of Siraha have been named as respondents.
According to the petition, security personnel and administrative officials collectively destroyed the confiscated digital devices by submerging them in water-filled plastic drums in the name of maintaining examination security.
The petition argues that while mobile phones and other digital devices may be prohibited during examinations, the standard practice is to return such items to their owners after the completion of examinations and any legally prescribed procedures, including fines. It claims that digital devices worth nearly Rs 10 million were destroyed without following due legal process.
The petitioners contend that the destruction of the devices was arbitrary, unlawful, and contrary to the principles of the rule of law.
The writ further argues that the incident violated constitutional rights guaranteed to citizens, including the rights to equality, property, and privacy. It also states that educational materials, personal information, and other digital data stored on the devices were permanently lost as a result of the destruction.
The petition seeks the annulment of the decision to destroy the confiscated devices and demands compensation based on the market value of the destroyed phones and smartwatches, as well as compensation for data loss.
It also calls for criminal and departmental action against officials involved in the destruction and requests an interim order preventing the destruction of seized digital devices elsewhere in the country until legal issues surrounding the matter are resolved.
Citing the public importance and sensitivity of the case, the petitioners have urged the Supreme Court to give the matter priority and ensure a timely hearing. The writ also references previous Supreme Court rulings that require state agencies to act strictly in accordance with the law.
पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: जेठ २७, २०८३ ११:५९
