Former King Gyanendra Shah has refused to accept the fine notice issued by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) for pollution and damage caused during pro-monarchy demonstrations on March 28.
On Sunday, March 30, a team from KMC’s metropolitan police and revenue department reached Nirmal Niwas, Shah’s residence, to deliver the official notice. However, officials at the residence turned them away at the gate. The city now plans to send the notices via postal service.
Read: KMC Imposes Rs 793,000 Fine on Former King for Protest-Induced Pollution and Damage
KMC, in separate letters dated March 28, imposed fines totaling Rs 793,000, holding the former king accountable for the aftermath of the demonstrations.
The fines include Rs 100,000 each for littering roads and footpaths in Tinkune, Koteshwar, Balkumari, Jadibuti, Sinamangal, and Mahadevsthan areas, Rs 130,000 for damage to a city fire truck that responded to a fire in Tinkune, Rs 40,000 for the destruction of trees, plants, and railings in Tinkune, and Rs 23,000 for vandalism in the same area.
Nepal officially abolished its nearly two-and-a-half-century-old monarchy in 2008, following a decade-long Maoist insurgency (1996–2006), then King Gyanendra’s military coup in 2005, and the Second People's Movement in 2006, which restored democratic rights. The adoption of the 2015 Constitution transformed Nepal into a federal democratic republic.
However, public discontent has grown over the years as pro-republican leaders have struggled to meet expectations. Frustration over governance failures, corruption, and economic challenges has fueled renewed calls for a return to monarchy. In recent months, monarchists have intensified their rallies and demonstrations, demanding the reinstatement of Nepal as a Hindu kingdom.
The pro-monarchy demonstrations last Friday escalated into violent clashes, resulting in two deaths and injuries to over three dozen people.
Widely circulated social media footage showed acts of arson, vandalism, and looting. Protesters set fire to multiple buildings, including the CPN (Unified Socialist) party office and the Herbs Production and Processing Company Ltd. in Jadibuti, while several vehicles were also torched. Media offices were among the targets of the violence. Viral videos also captured alleged demonstrators looting goods from Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Koteshwar.
This is not the first time KMC has penalized political entities for pollution-related violations. Previously, both the CPN (UML) and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) were fined Rs 100,000 each for littering during their events. While RPP paid the fine, CPN (UML) has refused to pay.
