The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Tsirang Dzongda, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Damphu Municipal Office, issued a final warning letter to building owner 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.
According to the letter, the basement space was designated for commercial use, specifically for operating a karaoke bar. “Nevertheless, we are aware that the basement is not used as intended,” says the letter. It further states, “In spite of our reminders, District Court judgment and additionally your own statement to comply with rules and regulations in place, you dare to defy all these proceedings and tools. This repeated non-compliance is viewed seriously.”
The letter warns 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.
The warning follows a May 2025 verdict by the Tsirang District Court in favour of the building owner. The court directed the Dzongkhag to restore water and electricity connections to the property, which had been cut off amid allegations that the basement was being used for religious gatherings. 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.
The court further observed that the occupancy certificate that was signed by the Dzongda in August 2024 had classified the basement only as a “commercial space,” with no mention of a karaoke establishment. The court advised both parties to adhere to relevant rules and regulations but did not rule on the issue of religious gatherings, which it stated should be addressed through a constitutional case at the High Court. The High Court subsequently declined to hear the case, citing it as a municipal matter.
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.
Rajen said the basement is now used in line with the license to host events such as birthdays, weddings, meetings, and community functions. He also raised concerns that individuals from the Dzongkhag had recently photographed an event on the premise without verifying the license under which it was held.
In a letter addressed to the Dzongda on Friday, Rajen refuted the claim that the basement is reserved for karaoke use. Citing Judgment No. ‘Tsirang 2025-56 dated 15th May 2025’, he stated that the District Court found no evidence of non-compliance with the occupancy certificate. He emphasised that the certificate 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.
Rajen also referenced his valid 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.
“As loyal citizens under one King and one Law, we are entitled to equal protection and treatment,” he wrote, further expressing trust in the judicial system to uphold fairness and constitutional rights.
In his letter, he sincerely urges the Dzongda’s office to act within the confines of law and reason, eschewing arbitrary interpretations and administrative overreach.
Rajen said he looks forward to a response guided by the principles of fairness that must apply equally to all stakeholders involved.
Background
It all started on 11th July 2024 when the Dzongda summoned Rajen Tamang and warned him against organizing unauthorized public gathering in the building.
The Dzongda on 8th October then sent two letters. The first letter said that Rajen was having unauthorized public gathering in the building which is not allowed, and it is also his duty under the Local Government Act to maintain law and order and peace and harmony.
It says that failure to abide by the above will mean being dealt by the existing law of the nation.
A second letter took up the issue of the karaoke hall being used for other purposes than what it was authorized for and said that water and power could be cut off.
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.
While the Tsirang Dzongkhag Administration and municipality was maintaining it is a municipality and building usage issue, what really seems to have sparked of such action is fears that Rajen is engaged in conversions. This is the larger context of allegations that the religion in question is spreading in the south using in part the lure of economic benefit.
Rajen, on his end, denied engaging in any conversion and said he is ready to face legal prosecution if there is evidence, and he said he is instead serving people who are already in his faith. He said there are similar gatherings in other Gewogs of Tsirang and even other Dzongkhags, but why is he only being targeted.
