Supreme Court Opens Door for Nepali Citizens Abroad to Give Court Statements via Video Conference

Kathmandu. Nepali citizens living abroad can now provide court statements through audiovisual (video conferencing) facilities via Nepali embassies in their respective countries, following a significant ruling by the Supreme Court.

A joint bench of Supreme Court justices Hari Prasad Phuyal and Bal Krishna Dhakal issued the decision on 19 May 2026, paving the way for defendants residing overseas to participate in legal proceedings through modern communication technology.

The ruling came in connection with a corruption case filed by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) in the Special Court on 1 August 2025, in which Sabhyata KC was named as a defendant.

KC’s legal representatives in Australia had petitioned the Special Court on 5 August 2025, requesting permission for her to give statements and attend proceedings via video conferencing. However, the Special Court rejected the request on 8 August 2025, ruling against the use of audiovisual communication from embassies.

The Supreme Court has now overturned that decision, stating that the denial was inconsistent with the constitutional right to a fair defense and the growing use of modern technology in judicial processes.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court relied on the “Directive on Conducting Hearings in Court through Audio-Visual Communication (Video Conference), 2078,” noting that Sections 3 and 4 of the directive allow individuals residing abroad to give statements through coordination with Nepali embassies.

The court observed that Nepal’s judicial management system is now capable of supporting international-level information technology systems and that a large number of Nepali people living abroad are familiar with digital communication tools.

It further stated that allowing virtual participation would reduce the financial burden and logistical challenges faced by Nepali people overseas who are required to appear physically in court.

According to the ruling, defendants may now appear at the nearest Nepali embassy at a designated time to provide statements under the established video conferencing guidelines.

The Supreme Court has also directed authorities to ensure strict protection of privacy and data security during such proceedings. It emphasized that unauthorized recording or photography during testimony is strictly prohibited.

The order further clarifies that if a defendant is required to be taken into custody after giving a statement, or if bail conditions are not met, diplomatic coordination may be used to facilitate their transfer to Nepal.

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: जेठ १४, २०८३ १३:५९

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