The Bhutanese Leading the way.
On the afternoon of 6th July Sunday, as 40 to 50 people were attending a religious gathering in Damphu town in the basement of the building of Rajen Tamang, a group of police personnel showed up at the gate.
As Rajen was not there, they called his wife outside and asked for the religious gathering to be stopped immediately or arrests would be made as the ‘Organization of conventions and trade shows (including Event Management),’ license for the basement did not allow for religious gatherings.
The police also let the wife know that they were acting on the orders of the Dzongda.
The Dzongda, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Damphu Municipal Office, issued a final warning letter to Rajen Tamang on 2nd July 2025, stating that the basement of the building is not being used as per the drawing and occupancy certificate issued.
The letter said the basement space was designated for commercial use, specifically for operating a karaoke bar but the basement is not used as intended said the letter.
The letter warned of “strict and severe actions” for continued non-compliance and notes that legal proceedings may be initiated without further notice. Copies of the communication were shared with the Tsirang District Court, the Superintendent of Police and the Municipal in charge of Damphu Municipal Office.
Rajen wrote back on 4th July to the Dzongda and refuted the claim that the basement is reserved for karaoke use. Citing the Tsirang Court Judgment dated 15th May 2025’, he said that the District Court found no evidence of non-compliance with the occupancy certificate as the certificate (signed by the Dzongda) designates the basement for general commercial use and does not specify karaoke, arguing that under the legal principle of ‘expressio unius est exclusio alterius’, such omission excludes other interpretations.
“In addition, it is pertinent to note that the term “commercial” warrants no extensive interpretation, particularly from an office with the qualifications and resources of yours. Notably, “commercial” extends beyond karaoke, encompassing a wider range of business activities,” said the letter.
Rajen also referenced his Event Management business license and asserted that all operations conducted under “Mercy Events” fall within the legal definition of commercial activity. He urged the Dzongkhag to act within the boundaries of the law and avoid administrative overreach.
Rajen wrote saying he possesses a valid business license no. 3016165 under the name Mercy Events, which encompasses conventions, trade shows, marriage or wedding, birth celebration, seminar, training, workshop, conference, social gathering and all other event management activities.
He said all operations conducted under this license strictly conform to the legal definition of “commercial purposes,” a fact he trusts the Municipal Office will recognize upon thorough review of the relevant legal parameters.
The Dzongda did not reply to the letter yet, but first sent two people from the municipal office to see if the gathering is happening on Sunday and later the police team.
Rajen said his wife was called to the station next day by the police, and they made it clear to her once again that the action is not initiated by their side, but on the orders of the Dzongda.
Rajen said the Sunday gathering was only from 11 am to 1 pm but the Dzongda has now put a stop to it even with a valid license.
He said he would await a written reply from the Dzongda to his letter, and failing that he would likely have to appeal to the court. He said what the Dzongda is now doing is public harassment outside the bounds of the law, and he will rely on the judiciary to uphold the law.
Background
In May 2025 a verdict by the Tsirang District Court directed the Dzongkhag to restore water and electricity connections to Rajen’s building, which had been cut off amid allegations that the basement was being used for religious gatherings.
The water supply to the building was cut off on the morning of 15th October 2024, followed by the disconnection of electricity on 28th October 2024, both on the orders of the Chairman of the Municipality, who is also the Dzongda.
Following this, Rajen Tamang filed a case in the Tsirang Dzongkhag Court on 29th October, requesting the reconnection of water and electricity to his building as well as compensation.
During the trial, the Dzongkhag requested the court to impose a Nu 450,000 fine on the owner for alleged misuse of the premises under the Rules and Regulations for Places of Entertainment. However, the court declined, stating that no evidence or agreement confirmed the basement was specifically meant to house a karaoke bar.
Following the verdict, Rajen Tamang applied for and obtained an event management license from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment on 21st May 2025, valid for one year. The license, issued under the business name “Mercy Events”, permits the organisation of conventions, trade shows, weddings, social gatherings, and related events.
