Kathmandu: The Supreme Court has sought a written reply from Minister for Education, Science and Technology Krishna Gopal Shrestha on allegations of caste discrimination and untouchability. Hearing the writ petition filed by Rupa Sunar, Supreme Court Judge Kumar Regmi has directed to submit a written reply through the Attorney General’s Office within 15 days.

Why shouldn’t action be taken while hearing the writ petition filed by Sunar on Wednesday? The Supreme Court has demanded an answer from Minister Shrestha with grounds and reasons.

The Supreme Court’s order said, “There is no dispute that the act of discriminating against an untouchable on the basis of caste is cruel and inhumane.” Such acts are prohibited by the constitution and the law and are considered a punishable offense.

Sunar had filed a writ petition at the Supreme Court on July 5 alleging that she was untouchable on the basis of caste and that the person who did so was protected by Education Minister Krishna Gopal Shrestha. She had made Kathmandu District Public Prosecutor’s Office Babarmahal, Metropolitan Police Circle Singha Durbar and Saraswati Pradhan the opposition. The Supreme Court has also given 15 days to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, Police Circle Singha Durbar to submit a written reply through the Office of the Attorney General.

Similarly, Opposition Pradhan has been directed to submit a written reply in person or through a representative as per his law.