Protest Within Norm

Citizens' right to voice discontent through protest is protected in democracy under freedom of speech provision in the constitution. By doing so, democracy ensures that all voices can be heard. But there are also red lines people cannot cross in the name of protest to undermine the very pillars of democracy. None has the power to delegitimise the political system achieved by people's sacrifices and government set up by the popular votes exercising constitution -guaranteed democratic rights.  Nor can anyone attack the fundamental pillars of democracy.  Protests in good faith demanding that the protesters' legitimate concerns be addressed deserve government's due response and attention. And there are legal mechanisms under constitutional framework to fulfil them.

In recent days, we have seen people banding together in different places to protest the government action which they believe is unfair. What should be kept in mind is that one of the major functions of a government is to execute the decision of judiciary, which has the sole authority to investigate cases of corruption and fraud and give verdict. And throughout the process, the judges are required to uphold the highest ethical standards so that those deserving justice are not denied one at all costs. This forms the bedrock for people's trust on the state – the faith indispensable to maintain law, order and peace in the nation. 

As such, any attempt to affect such an investigation through protest can have negative impacts, including the one that can shred the very fabric of society into pieces. A vicious cycle of protests followed by counter-protests – which is hell-bent on derailing due legal process or even bringing the incumbent government to its knees – not only weakens the judiciary but also compromises the people's faith in the state. The government has every right to act to thwart such a practice.  

Recently, the ruling parties expressed their serious disagreement with the activities aimed at disrupting the investigation and actions initiated based on the unanimous report prepared by a Special Parliamentary Investigation  Committee formed to address the cooperative fraud. The ruling coalition expressed strong objections to the protests against the arrest of Rabi Lamichhane, president of the Rastriya Swatantra party (RSP) and former Home Minister, who was among those recommended by the committee for investigation into the case related to the embezzlement of cooperatives fund. 

Allowing the crowds of people to exert pressure on the court to get the verdict in their favour would amount to a blatant disregard for people's aspirations for good governance that tolerates no corruption. It's imperative to ensure the justice process completes its due course without yielding to any pressure. Justice must be delivered no matter the circumstances or the pressure from the crowd.

In recent weeks, the government has been emphasising constitutional, legal and structural reforms through consensus to build a foundation for political stability. So any activities, under various names and forms that promote disorder, fuel political instability and undermines developmental efforts mustn't get their way. At a time when the work to implement the federalism in full force, enact crucial laws and reforms, conclude the transitional justice process, among many others is gathering steam, such untoward activities mustn't be allowed to take root.  Most importantly, the government must keep its guard on not to allow the culture of protest just to get the protesters' demand fulfilled. It is a serious matter if it is going to pose a threat on democracy and the rule of law.