Balen warned to revoke fine imposed on Gyanendra Shah immediately

KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has imposed a fine on former King Gyanendra Shah, prompting serious concerns from the Joint People’s Movement Committee for the Restoration of the Monarchy.

The committee, led by Acting Coordinator Dr. Jagman Gurung, issued a statement expressing objection to the decision made by Kathmandu’s Mayor, Balen Shah (Balen).

The committee asserts that the imposition of the fine on the former king is a deliberate attempt to spread confusion and mistrust. They pointed out that on March 28, an event titled “National, Nationalism, Religion, Culture, and Citizen’s Protection Grand Campaign” was held in the area under the joint ownership of the committee with prior approval from the government. Despite this, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City sent a fine notice citing environmental pollution in the area, specifically mentioning “Shree Gyanendra Shah, Nirmal Niwas.” This, according to the committee, is a move intended to create confusion and undermine the monarchy.

The committee emphasized that the event had been organized in accordance with the law, with permission from the Nepal Police and the District Administration Office, which was also recorded in their records.

They criticized the fine as being contrary to the earlier stance of the Metropolitan City and pointed out that the decision was taken with a questionable and malicious intent.

The committee further noted that during a similar event at Tribhuvan International Airport to welcome the former king, a fine was not imposed on the organizers, which they argue shows inconsistency in the current decision.

The committee has warned that if the Kathmandu Metropolitan City does not retract the decision immediately, they will pursue legal action.

The fine imposed on the former king amounts to Rs 793,000, covering eight charges related to alleged pollution and vandalism in the Tinkune area.