Independent Lawyers Forum Objects to Patan High Court Bar Association Election

Kathmandu. The Independent Lawyers Forum has objected to the Patan High Court Bar Association election held today, stating that it was fraudulent, one-sided, opaque, and not free and fair. Acting President of the Forum, Harichandra Bhattarai, issued a statement questioning the impartiality of the Bar election. The Forum's statement stated that while the Bar institution is responsible for protecting the professional rights, freedom, dignity, and democratic values of lawyers, the election process and management showed one-sidedness, was conducted with the involvement of unauthorized persons, and adversely affected the free participation and electoral rights of the concerned lawyers. 'The Bar Association election is not a means to fulfill the interests of any individual or group, but a democratic practice to build a common institution for all lawyers. Therefore, freedom, impartiality, transparency, legality, and the sovereign participation of lawyers must be ensured in the election,' the Forum said, adding, 'However, the activities seen in today's election have raised serious questions about the impartiality and legality of the election.' The Independent Lawyers Forum has decided to boycott the election, stating that the fraudulent election process, conducted unilaterally by unauthorized persons, cannot be legitimized.