Ready to face punishment but won’t allow screening of Hindi films: Balen

KATHMANDU: Balen Shah, the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), has made a controversial statement declaring his refusal to abide by any laws or court orders regarding matters pertaining to national independence and sovereignty.

Shah’s statement came in response to an interim order issued by the Patan High Court which instructs the KMC to resume the screening of Hindi-language movies in Kathmandu. A single bench of High Court Judge Dhir Bahadur Chand issued the order.

“In matters concerning national independence and sovereignty, I will not comply with any laws or court directives. The fact that the film’s writer suggested that Nepal was under the control of India reveals their true intentions,” Shah said in a social media post.

Shah further added that labeling his statement as a “stunt” and allowing the screening of Hindi movies would imply that both the court and the government are subservient to India. “Hindi films will not be screened in Nepal, and I am prepared to face any consequences that may arise from this decision,” he stated.

Shah had ordered the suspension of the screening of the film ‘Aadipurush’ in Kathmandu, arguing that it portrays ‘Janaki’ (Goddess Sita) as India’s daughter.