Serious Concern Over Demolition of Nepal Telecom Birgunj Building in Defiance of High Court’s Interim Order

August 18, Kathmandu.

Ignoring the short-term interim order issued by the temporary bench of Janakpur High Court in Birgunj, the Road Division Office Hetauda demolished the building of Nepal Telecom’s telecommunication office in Birgunj. Following this, the company has expressed serious dissatisfaction and concern. The building located near Ghantaghar was demolished in defiance of the court’s order and the mapping of the Survey Department.

Dispute and Court’s Interim Order: As the telecommunication building was going to be affected during the expansion of Birgunj’s main road, Nepal Telecom’s Managing Director Sangita Pahadi (Aryal) filed a writ petition on August 13 against the Road Division Office Hetauda, Parsa District Administration Office, and others.

Case Registration: Writ petition filed under case number 083-WO-0085.

Court’s Interim Order (August 14): Short-term interim order issued by Janakpur High Court, Temporary Bench Birgunj, to immediately stop/not proceed with the main road expansion work.

Deadline for Written Response: Order issued to the defendants to submit a written response with evidence within 15 days, excluding travel time.

Violation of Court Order and Unilateral Damage: Despite the clear injunction from the court, the Road Division Office Hetauda demolished the building of the Telecommunication Office Birgunj using two excavators on August 15 and 16. Telecom has stated that this demolition work was carried out unilaterally, in a manner different from the official mapping set by the Survey Department.

Upcoming Hearing and Nepal Telecom’s Commitment

Hearing on August 20: The esteemed court has scheduled a hearing for further discussion regarding the interim order on August 20, 2083 BS, and a further decision will be made on the same day.

Compliance with Standards and Reconstruction: Nepal Telecom is fully committed to reconstructing the building structure within the approved standards. Furthermore, the company expects necessary coordination and cooperation from relevant bodies in the coming days.

For more: Nepal Telecom Birgunj Building Demolition