Govt Tables Proposal in NA to Withdraw Controversial Social Media Bill

The government on Friday, February 6, tabled a proposal in the National Assembly to withdraw the controversial Bill on the Operation, Use, and Regulation of Social Media, 2025.

Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Anil Kumar Sinha presented the proposal on behalf of Prime Minister and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Sushila Karki.

National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal directed the Legislative Management Committee to submit its report on the bill, which is currently under consideration.

The Cabinet had decided on Tuesday, February 3, to withdraw the bill.

Widely criticised as an attempt to curb freedom of expression, it was registered in the Upper House on January 28, 2025, by the then KP Sharma Oli-led government. It was formally tabled on February 9, 2025, by then communications minister Prithvi Subba Gurung.

Despite repeated attempts by the government to advance the legislation, including a general discussion on August 19, 2025, the bill remained stalled amid sustained public and political opposition.

The impasse escalated in September after the Oli administration sought to enforce executive directives. On September 4, 2025, the government ordered the shutdown of 26 social media platforms, including YouTube, X and Meta-owned applications, citing their failure to register in Nepal. 

The move sparked youth protests. Demonstrations erupted on September 8, demanding the restoration of social media access and action against systemic corruption.

The protests turned violent, resulting in significant loss of life and property over two days. Although then Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned and the government lifted the ban the same day, unrest continued despite the imposition of a curfew. Public and private properties, including political residences and state institutions, were vandalised and set on fire during the turmoil.

Amid the crisis, Prime Minister Oli resigned. He and several senior leaders were evacuated by the army.

On September 12, an interim government was formed under former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. The Parliament was dissolved, and elections to the House of Representatives was announced for March 5, 2026.

(With inputs from RSS)