SC schedules hearing on Home Minister Lamichhane’s case for June 30

KATHMANDU, June 21: The Supreme Court (SC) has decided to extend the hearing on the case against Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane as the session held on Friday concluded without reaching a conclusion. Due to time constraints, Friday's hearing could not be completed, and the remaining hearing is now scheduled for June 30. Advocates representing Home Minister Lamichhane have yet to present their arguments.

Justices Sapana Pradan Malla and Sharanga Subedi presided over Friday's proceedings.

Advocate Anupam Bhattarai had filed a writ petition at the SC seeking the suspension of Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, citing potential interference in the ongoing investigation into a cooperative fraud case. The petition also challenges a clean chit from the Office of the Attorney General that clears Lamichhane of fraud allegations.

Advocate Bhattarai has argued that Lamichhane's dual roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister could unduly influence the investigation. An interim order has been sought to suspend Lamichhane from his ministerial position while the investigation proceeds. This request has been directed towards the Government of Nepal, the Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers.