Nepal, Aug. 17 -- The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the release of journalist Kishor Shrestha and the return of communication equipment seized from his residence and office.

A joint bench of Justices Nahakul Subedi and Balkrishna Dhakal issued the mandamus on Monday, directing the Kathmandu District Police Office to release Shrestha on personal recognisance or bail while continuing its investigation.

The order was issued following a hearing on Shrestha's habeas corpus petition. The court directed police to return all items seized from his residence and office to his wife, Saraswati, in the presence of the Supreme Court registrar.

The Supreme Court also stated that, under the Constitution, communication materials of media organisation...