SC orders immediate arrest, overturning regal’s release

KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court has ordered to quash the decision to release Yograj Dhakal (Regal) from prison.

The bench, consisting of Permanent Chief Justice Ishwar Prasad Khatiwada, Sapana Pradhan Malla, and Kumar Chudal, has directed the immediate arrest of Regal.

Chief Justice Khatiwada, while delivering the court’s verdict, stated, “On Constitution Day, the government’s recommendation for the release of Yograj Dhakal Regal by President Ram Chandra Paudel, thereby granting clemency for the remainder of his prison term, is deemed unconstitutional and in violation of the law.”

Regal, who had been serving a prison sentence for the murder of Chetan Manandhar, had been granted clemency, effectively being released from prison on Constitution Day.

However, this decision faced legal challenge as Bharati Manandhar Sherpa, Chetan Manandhar’s wife, filed a petition in the Supreme Court on Ashoj 22 (Oct 9), contesting the government’s decision.