SC extends hearing on Home Minister Lamichhane case, another hearing scheduled for July 2
The proceedings were overseen by a joint bench consisting of Judges Sapana Pradan Malla and Sharanga Subedi.
KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court (SC) has scheduled the continuation of the hearing regarding the suspension of Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, as the session on Friday did not conclude.
The case before the bench of Judges Sapaana Pradhan Malla and Saranga Subedi has been put on hold after the arguments were not completed.
The next hearing is scheduled for July 2.
The writ petition, filed by Advocate Anupama Bhattarai, seeks the suspension of Lamichhane. The petition outlines several charges against the Home Minister, including concerns over loans he has taken.
Additionally, the writ challenges a letter from the Attorney General’s Office, which asserts that Lamichhane is not implicated in any cooperative fraud case.
The respondents named in the writ are the Attorney General’s Office, Attorney General Dinmani Pokharel, and Home Minister Lamichhane himself.
Advocate Bhattarai contended that Lamichhane’s dual roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister could compromise the investigation, thereby breaching principles of natural justice.
Consequently, Bhattarai has requested an interim order to suspend Lamichhane from his ministerial duties until the investigation is complete. This request has been directed at the Government of Nepal, the Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers.
Following registration, the Supreme Court directed that the complaint filed in Pokhara against the indictment in Rupandehi District Court be summoned.
Similarly, the Supreme Court has received a research report from Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau on the Surya Darshan of Pokhara and the Supreme Cooperative scam of Butwal.
Based on these evidences, the Supreme Court will make a ruling after hearing both parties’ arguments.
If the Supreme Court rejects the writ, Home Minister Lamichhane will be temporarily acquitted; nevertheless, if an interim order is given, his ministerial post would be forfeited.
