Kathmandu: Ncell has hit back hard after the government published a confidential report investigating the telecom company’s share sale, calling the move a breach of its legal right to privacy.

The report, titled the “Study and Investigation Report on Ncell’s Share Purchase and Sale, 2080,” was posted on the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s website the day after the Cabinet approved its release. The Cabinet’s decision was made on Shrawan 26, 2083.

A probe committee led by Tankamani Sharma Dangal had prepared the report and Ncell says it contains sensitive company details that should never have been made public.

The company argues the disclosure violates its constitutional right to privacy under Article 28, along with protections for property, documents, data, correspondence and personal information guaranteed by the Individual Privacy Act, 2075.

Ncell also says its rights as a taxpayer under the Income Tax Act and VAT Act have been breached and that the fallout extends to its shareholders, directors and other stakeholders.

Ncell points out that a writ petition seeking the report’s release was already rejected by the High Court on 2083.3.31 and that ruling was final. Publishing the report anyway, the company says, defies that court decision and breaks the government’s constitutional duty to respect judicial rulings.

While the government may use the committee’s findings for further investigation or prosecution, Ncell insists there is no legal basis for making that information available to the public at large. The company says it is reserving its right to legal remedies under national and international law, including a possible compensation claim under the Individual Privacy Act.

Ncell warned that the government’s decision could shake investor confidence, damage Nepal’s reputation as a destination for foreign investment and leave the country paying the price for years to come.