Kathmandu, Oct. 30 -- The Supreme Court Bar Association has called for an impartial investigation into recent reports involving the chief justice and Supreme Court justices, saying the allegations and questions raised have damaged public confidence in the judiciary.

In a statement issued on Friday, the association's secretary, Raman Kumar Karna, said the reports had raised serious concerns about the independence, impartiality and integrity of the judiciary.

"It cannot be denied that reports published over the past few days concerning the chief justice and justices have undermined the independence, impartiality and dignity of the judiciary, as well as public trust in it," Karna said.

The controversy centres on WhatsApp exchanges between...