When ministers speak the language of intimidation, rule of law comes under pressure

Physical Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal's aggressive directive to a subcontractor responsible for relocating electricity poles has ignited a firestorm of criticism. "Find out where this electricity pole relocation contractor is on this earth, bring him here," Lamsal declared, adding, "If he refuses to work, break his legs. I don’t care about the consequences." This outburst, captured on video and widely shared, has been condemned by legal experts, rights defenders, and business communities.

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Find out where this electricity pole relocation contractor is on this earth, bring him here. If he refuses to work, break his legs. I don’t care about the consequences.

While some citizens frustrated by infrastructure delays may have applauded the minister's forceful stance, observers point to a worrying trend within the current administration. Ministers are reportedly flouting legal guidelines, using state machinery for intimidation, and employing language that erodes democratic institutions. Former Inspector General of Nepal Police Chandra Kuber Khapung questioned the legality of Lamsal's order, highlighting a growing concern about the rule of law.

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Is this order issued by the minister truly in accordance with our existing laws?

The opposition Nepali Congress has also reacted sharply. Party Vice-President Bishwa Prakash Sharma urged Prime Minister Balendra Shah to control his Cabinet. "Are we heading towards a lawless society? If we are not, then please put a leash on the statements of your ministers, prime minister," Sharma stated. He connected Lamsal's remarks to other recent incidents, including government staffers pushing a three-wheeler down a cliff and police destroying confiscated smartphones.

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Are we heading towards a lawless society? If we are not, then please put a leash on the statements of your ministers, prime minister.

Lamsal's actions extended beyond verbal threats. He directly ordered the detention of Ramesh Sharma, chairman of Sharma & Company, and Pitambar Badu of Lama Construction. The deployment of a specialized crime unit to handle contractual disputes has alarmed the private sector. Retired Deputy Inspector General Hemanta Malla Thakuri criticized this as a misuse of state authority, stating, "The police force is not an executive tool to settle construction disputes." He argued that such matters should be handled by the Department of Roads or relevant agencies, not through criminal investigators threatening businesspeople.

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The police force is not an executive tool to settle construction disputes. If a contractor fails to deliver, the Department of Roads or the respective line agency must initiate actions. Deploying criminal investigators to threaten businesspeople is a misuse of state authority.