Lekhak says travel ban, passport freeze violate constitution

KATHMANDU: Former Home Minister and Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak has criticized the government’s decision to impose a travel restriction and freeze his passport, calling it a clear violation of the rule of law, the Constitution, and prevailing legal provisions.

Speaking at a press conference in Kathmandu on Monday, shortly after recording his statement before the investigation commission, Lekhak said the government imposed the restrictions without any prior information or notice to him.

He stated that he only learned through the media that he had been barred from leaving the Kathmandu Valley and that his passport had been confiscated based on the commission’s recommendation.

Lekhak said he has not received any written or verbal explanation regarding the legal basis of the decision, its purpose, justification, or duration.

He also stressed that he was neither consulted nor given an opportunity to present his views before or after the decision was taken.

“It is with great regret that I must say I learned through the media that the Government of Nepal, based on the commission’s recommendation, has confined me to the Kathmandu Valley for three months and frozen my passport,” Lekhak said. “I have not been informed under which provision of the Constitution or existing laws this decision was made, for what purpose, with what justification, or for how long. I was not given any chance to be asked or to respond. Such actions, taken without reason and without information, are against the Constitution and the legal system.”

He urged the government, the investigation commission, and all concerned bodies to take serious note of the issue, emphasizing that due process, the rule of law, and the principle of fair hearing require that an individual be properly informed and heard before such decisions are made.

Lekhak also reiterated that he had no involvement in any police crackdown during the recent protests. He claimed that clashes occurred due to planned infiltration during the movement and maintained that he played no role whatsoever in police repression.

The former home minister’s remarks come amid ongoing investigations related to recent protests, which have drawn significant public and political attention.