Nepal Government Plans New Law to Secretly Listen to Phone Calls and Messages

The Nepal government is planning a new secret intelligence law. This law would let spy workers secretly check people's phone calls, messages, and other talks. It is called the National Intelligence and Investigation Bill. The government wants to give this bill to the big meeting house soon. But Nepal's rules book, the constitution, has Article 28. It says everyone has a right to keep their talks private.

Why do they want this law? The leaders say it is to keep the country safe. If bad things might happen, like from other countries' spies, they need to listen in. The bill lets the spy boss say yes to secret monitoring if it is very important. They can tap phones, read messages, and watch computer talks. There will be a new group called the counter-intelligence wing. It will fight against foreign spies and bad plans.

This is not the first time. Six years ago, in 2019, they tried a like law. But many people got mad and said no. So, they stopped it. In 2020, a group called Human Rights Watch said such laws are bad. They let spies do things without a judge saying okay. This breaks privacy rights and can scare people from talking freely.

Now, the government is trying again. The bill is open for people to say what they think. Then, it goes to more offices and the big meeting. If it passes, spy workers can link to phone companies and get help to listen in. They promise to use it only when really needed, like if the country is in danger.

But many worry. A lawyer said it goes against the constitution. People might feel watched all the time. Moms and dads talking on phones, kids sending messages – all could be heard by spies. Is that fair? The law says yes for safety, but others say no, privacy is more important.

Nepal is a pretty country with mountains. But now, this surveillance law is making news. Leaders like Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli want it to stop bad guys. Groups like Human Rights Watch ask to change it. Add rules so a judge must say yes first.

What happens next? The bill might change if people speak up. Everyone in Nepal should know their privacy rights. Talk to friends and family. Stay safe, but keep your talks your own.

This law could make Nepal stronger against spies. But at what cost? We will watch and see.