PANCHTHAR, MAR 18 - The Appellate Court, Ilam has ruled to provide compensation to The Kathmandu Post and Kantipur journalist Labadev Dhungana, who was taken into police custody for 50 days during the erstwhile royal regime. 

A joint bench of judges Mohan Bahadur Karki and Rebanta Bahadur Kunwar issued the verdict on Wednesday.

The Appellate Court upheld the verdict of Panchthar District Court to provide the compensation of Rs. 35,000 for taking the journo in custody illegally. Disagreeing with the district court verdict, the local police administration had appealed at the Appellate Court seeking a review. 

After the royal takeover in the country, the District Police Office  (DPO) Panchthar had arrested Dhungana on March 3, 2005 and taken him into custody for 50 days.

Advocates Madan Khadka, Uttap Poudel and Hirandya Adhikari had pleaded on behalf of Dhungana.

Dhungana had filed a petition at the Appellate Court against Council of Ministers, the Home Ministry, District Administration Office, DPO Panchthar and District Prison demanding compensation. “This is the victory of press freedom and loktantra,” said Dhungana after the court’s ruling.

Meanwhile, FNJ Chairman Dharmendra Jha said the government should be held accountable for the arbitrary detentions made during the royal regime. “There are several other similar cases. The government must compensate them,” said Jha.

Posted on: 2010-03-18 12:00

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