19/02/2026
Arresting and handcuffing a legal professional solely for performing their professional duty constitutes a direct assault on the rule of law, constitutional supremacy, judicial independence, and fundamental civil liberties. Such actions risk undermining the very constitutional values and principles of the rule of law that the government is duty-bound to uphold.
The arrest of Advocate Rabina Sasankar, reportedly in connection with her attempt to provide legal representation in the case involving Nepal Communist Party (Bahumat) General Secretary Dharmendra Bastola “Kanchan,” amounts to interference with the independence of the legal profession. Detaining her from her residence by plainclothes police officers raises serious concerns regarding due process and the protection of civil liberties.
Such treatment of an advocate calls into question the fundamental right to legal representation. In a democratic society, lawyers must be able to discharge their professional responsibilities freely, without fear, intimidation, or undue interference.
Therefore, we strongly demand the immediate release of Advocate Adv Sathasankar and call upon the Nepal Bar Association to take serious notice of this incident.
Any form of repression against the legal profession is unacceptable under any circumstances. Upholding the rule of law is the responsibility of the State, not violating it.
