SC hears habeas petition for Rabi Lamichhane’s release

KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court of Nepal is holding a hearing today on the habeas corpus petition filed demanding the release of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with a major cooperative fraud case.

The case is being heard by Justice Abdul Aziz Musalman, with the petition listed as the first item on the court’s docket.

The hearing was initially scheduled for Monday under Justice Hari Phuyal, but was postponed after he recused himself, stating he could not oversee the matter.

The petition for Lamichhane’s release was filed by his wife, Nikita Poudel, on Sunday, claiming his detention was unlawful.

Earlier, the Rupandehi District Court had ordered Lamichhane’s release on a bail of Rs 10 million in the Supreme Cooperative fraud case.

However, that order was overturned by the High Court in Tulsipur, Butwal on April 4, directing that he be kept in custody.

He is currently being held at Rupandehi District Prison.

Due to the lengthy appeal process to challenge the High Court’s decision, Lamichhane has sought immediate release through a habeas corpus petition.

He has also filed a separate appeal against the High Court’s ruling. Following an initial hearing, the Supreme Court has ordered submission of related case documents.

Lamichhane is among 42 individuals named as defendants in the Supreme Cooperative fraud case, which involves alleged embezzlement of nearly Rs 550 million.

The charges state that Lamichhane, along with Chhabi Rana and GB Rai, established Gorkha Media Pvt. Ltd. and illegally operated over Rs 109 million through the company.

GB Rai is currently absconding, while Chhabi Rana has also filed a petition in the Supreme Court against her detention. The Court has called for a clarification report on her case as well.