Information Commission Orders Routine of Nepal Banda to Submit Written Response Over Refusal to Provide Information

The National Information Commission has issued a directive to the popular social media platform Routine of Nepal Banda, instructing it to submit a written response following its refusal to provide requested information.

The order comes after law student Bivek Chaudhary filed a request for information from the platform on 14 Falgun 2081 BS. According to Chaudhary, the page operator did not respond to his initial request. He subsequently submitted a formal complaint to both the office head and the designated information officer of the organization.

Following his appeal, the National Information Commission issued an official notice, requiring Routine of Nepal Banda to provide a written explanation within seven days. The notice further states that the platform must furnish evidence and justification if it believes the Commission should not compel it to release the requested information.

In a statement to epardafas, petitioner Chaudhary claimed that Routine of Nepal Banda operates under a different official name as registered with the Office of the Company Registrar and is engaged in activities not originally declared at the time of registration.

He raised several key questions, including whether the word “Banda” was used during company registration and, if not, why it features prominently across the organization’s social media and public branding. He also sought clarification on the nature of the platform’s content, noting that many of its news items appear to be republished from other media outlets.

Chaudhary further questioned whether the company’s memorandum of association (MOA) included provisions for publishing such content, and if not, whether those activities are legally permissible.

The Commission’s order marks a significant step toward ensuring greater transparency and accountability from entities operating in the digital media landscape.