PMC files petition to halt Kotihom event
On Monday, the metropolis submitted a vacate petition, claiming that the interim order issued by the court on Feb 13 was baseless.
KATHMANDU: Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC) has filed a petition at the High Court Pokhara to stop the planned Kotihom event in the tourist hub of Lakeside.
On Monday, the metropolis submitted a vacate petition, claiming that the interim order issued by the court on Feb 13 was baseless.
The Nepal Seva Foundation, the event’s organizer, had received a court order preventing authorities from halting the Kotihom Mahayagya.
However, representing Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, Somnath Lamsal has now submitted a writ petition seeking an order of mandamus to annul the previous court order.
The petition argues that the proposed venue falls within the 65-meter demarcation zone of Fewa Lake, where construction and major events are restricted.
Since land demarcation of the lake is set to begin soon, the petition states that holding the event within the lake’s regulatory boundary is not feasible.
Additionally, Pokhara Metropolitan City has not granted permission for the event.
According to Nil Prasad Paneru, Information Officer at the High Court, the petition was registered under Rule 42 (g) of the High Court Regulations.
This provision allows a party to challenge an interim order issued without hearing the opposing side.
The petition, filed on Monday, is scheduled to be presented before the bench on Tuesday.
If deemed necessary, the court may revoke or amend the interim order.
Dispute Over Venue and Past Actions
The Kotihom Mahayagya, officially named Shri Gandaki Shatakundiya Gayatri Kotihom Virat Gyan Mahayagya, is scheduled to take place from April 29 to June 8.
The Nepal Sewa Foundation has leased land near Barahighat from Nepal Trust for this period, paying a rental fee of Rs 1.159 million.
Despite obtaining approval from Nepal Trust and the Tourism, Industry, Commerce, and Consumer Protection Directorate, Pokhara, the foundation has faced opposition from the metropolis.
In the past, Pokhara authorities seized over 30 truckloads of firewood after the foundation allegedly cut down roadside trees without permission.
With the legal battle now in court, the fate of the Kotihom Mahayagya in Lakeside remains uncertain.
