KATHMANDU, Aug 5: The process of registration of candidates for the Patan High Court Bar election has commenced. Registrations began on Monday on the High Court premises.

The Independent Legal Practitioners Forum has voiced its opposition, claiming that inclusiveness was not properly implemented. They have alleged that the candidate registration fee is excessively high. Diya Rani Thapa, the treasurer of the Independent Legal Practitioners Forum, criticized the process, stating that it seems designed to favor certain panels and hinder competition. She expressed concerns that the bar elections are not conducive to youth participation due to the high fees.

Thapa said, "The High Court Bar election process has started, and nominations must be registered today. Our inclusive agenda has not been implemented. The constitution provides clear provisions for inclusion, but Bar units are raising their own panels, preventing others from competing. I wish to stand in the election, but the Rs 30,000 nomination fee is prohibitive. It is difficult to collect such a large sum. This fee is excessive, and creates barriers for youth participation."

In contrast, advocate Ram Chandra Simkhada accused the Independent Legal Practitioners Forum of bringing a party banner into the bar election. He asserted that lawyers should not enter the election carrying party flags. Simkhada emphasized that merely chanting slogans about inclusivity is insufficient and that elections should adhere to legal provisions.

Simkhada said, "Although they claim to be independent, some have come from certain parties, carrying their banners. Lawyers should not behave in such a manner. Once here, lawyers must act as protectors of the law and rights. The current demands cannot be met by mere slogans; they must be in accordance with the statute. The Bar rules are to be established by the 20,000 lawyers. We cannot conduct elections outside the statutory provisions."

Simkhada also claimed that no more than the specified amount was charged for nomination registration in the year 2075 BS.