SC orders security forces not to use expired tear gas shells

KATHMANDU, Sept 15: Supreme Court on Tuesday issued an interim order to the government and the security forces not to use expired tear gas shells and gases with poisonous chemicals while trying to control riots. The apex court has also directed them to desist from the illegal use of lethal weapons against crowds of protesters.

Responding to a writ petition filed by Bismillah Khatun of Birgunj, a division bench of Justices Baidyanath Upadhyaya and Deepak Raj Joshi issued the interim order asking the government and security forces to respect people's right to life.Khatun, the wife of Jakir Husain, who sustained injuries during a protest in Birgunj, had filed the writ petition arguing that the state authorities were using brutal force against protestors and violating the right to life as well as the set standards of human rights.

Khatun has asked for an independent probe into the killings and the ongoing violent activities. She has also asked for reparations. According to her, the local government bodies have been overstepping their legal authority specified by the Local Administration Act.

Khatun has named prime minister's office, Ministry of Home Affairs, home minister, Legislature Parliament, Ministry of Law and Justice, the Nepal Police and the National Human Rights Commission as defendants. Khatun has claimed that the NHRC has not played an active role despite a growing number of gross human rights violation cases.

Related story

Nepal Police faces shortage of riot control gear, forced to use...