Wednesday, May 10 2006 11:49 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Nepal's newly appointed Government has annulled six decrees, including the controversial Media Ordinance, that were promulgated by King Gyanendra during his 14-month rule.

A cabinet meeting yesterday headed by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala decided to annul the objectionable ordinances, a senior minister said.

The Media Ordinance known as Draconian press ordinance puts severe restrictions on free press and has a provision to jail and fine journalists for being critical of the Royal Government.

Under the law journalists can be jailed up to one year and fined up to Rs. 500,000 for criticizing the Royal family or publishing news reports about terrorists.

The ordinance also puts restrictions on FM radios to broadcast news related programmes.

The new Government has also reversed some royal appointments and ordered ambassadors to 12 countries to return home.