Cyber Bureau Issues Notice to Journalist Dilbhusan Pathak to Appear for Investigation

The Nepal Police Cyber Bureau has issued a public notice requesting senior journalist Dilbhusan Pathak to appear at its office or at a nearby police station for investigation.

The notice states that a complaint labeled "Cyber Bureau 59" has been filed against Pathak, with the Government of Nepal as the opposing party, under the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063. It adds that the Kathmandu District Court has already approved a warrant for his arrest.

However, Pathak’s legal team had challenged the warrant at the High Court Patan, which has issued a short-term interim order and summoned both parties for a hearing on Asar 5 (June 19). Until that date, the court has instructed the police not to arrest him.

Despite the interim order, on Tuesday, the Cyber Bureau published a notice on its official website asking Pathak to assist in the investigation by being present. This is unusual, as police typically do not issue public notices for individuals with approved arrest warrants.

The case stems from a video report linked to the Hilton Hotel, in which Pathak allegedly mentioned Jayveer Deuba, son of Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba. A complaint was filed with the Cyber Bureau, which then obtained approval to arrest Pathak under Section 47 of the Electronic Transactions Act.

The move to obtain an arrest warrant over a news-related report has sparked widespread criticism, especially from the media community. On Saturday, 35 editors from various news outlets issued a joint statement, accusing the government of misusing the law and police force to target journalists and suppress press freedom.