Nepal’s government has decided to implement a report recommending the withdrawal of some criminal cases filed against individuals involved in the Gen Z movement, while maintaining charges for those accused of violent crimes. The Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Balen Shah, forwarded the report to the Ministry of Home Affairs for necessary action last Monday.
Committee’s Recommendations
The report, submitted by a three-member committee chaired by former Special Court chairperson Baburam Regmi, categorises around 400 cases filed in connection with the September 9, 2025 incidents. Approximately 100 of these cases are deemed non-withdrawable, according to Home Ministry sources.
The committee explicitly recommended against withdrawing cases involving violent attacks on security personnel, assaults on police posts, and the looting of weapons. It also advised against withdrawing cases related to the vandalism and arson of sensitive state institutions such as the Supreme Court, the Federal Parliament, and Singha Durbar, the central administrative complex in Kathmandu.
For cases involving the vandalism of private institutions and personal property, the report suggests withdrawal is possible if the accused admit their offences and agree to compensate for the damage. Such cases could also be withdrawn if the owner of the damaged property chooses to forgive those involved, provided the consent of the complainant or victim is obtained.
The committee further recommended the unconditional withdrawal of cases against individuals who merely participated in street demonstrations, chanted slogans, or were present during the Gen Z movement without engaging in other criminal activities.
Background to the Gen Z Movement
The Gen Z movement, which began on September 8, 2025, and escalated into violence on September 9, 2025, was primarily a protest against the government’s ban on 26 major social media platforms, widespread corruption, nepotism, unemployment, and economic recession. The protests led to at least 19 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and significant damage to government buildings, including the Presidential and Prime Ministerial residences, the Parliament building, and Singha Durbar, as well as private properties. The movement ultimately led to the dismissal of the then-KP Sharma Oli-led government and the dissolution of the House of Representatives. An interim government, led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, was formed, which set elections for February 21, 2026.
Next Steps and Unanswered Questions
The Ministry of Home Affairs will now study the recommendations, existing legal provisions, and criminal law procedures. If the government decides to withdraw a case, the Office of the Attorney General must submit an application through the relevant government attorney’s office to the concerned district court. A case can only be withdrawn after the district court grants permission. The committee has advised the government to follow the Criminal Procedure Code and the Government Cases Withdrawal Procedure, 2020, in this process.
The exact date of the committee’s formation remains unclear. Additionally, a complete list of the 26 social media platforms banned by the government has not been explicitly provided. The timeline for the Home Ministry to complete its study and the case withdrawal process has also not been specified.
