KATHMANDU, Aug 11: A complaint has been filed at the Judicial Council demanding an investigation into the bail application submitted by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, who sought release from custody by depositing bail equivalent to the disputed amount.
Lamichhane, currently in prison pending trial on charges of cooperative fraud and organized crime, had filed a bail application at the Rupandehi District Court. On Monday morning, lawyer Ramesh Bahadur Rawal lodged a complaint at the Judicial Council requesting an investigation and necessary action regarding this application.
The complaint states that while a case of fraud and organized crime against Lamichhane and 21 others is under trial, there have been widespread publicity efforts, including naming judges at the district court, aimed at influencing the case. The complainant has demanded swift investigation and action against those responsible.
Complaint filed against Judge Rai for granting Rabi Lamichhane...
According to Rawal, the defendants including Lamichhane filed the bail application to potentially influence the upcoming verdict. The complaint alleges that the application selectively mentions only the fraud charge, conceals other accusations and misleads the court about possible punishments. It further claims that the defendants pre-judged their own case, predicting that only four out of 22 accused would be found guilty and dividing the disputed amount accordingly, making the bail application invalid.
Contrary to the orders from the High Court and Supreme Court to keep Lamichhane in custody pending trial, the Rupandehi District Court accepted a bail application—which should not have been registered—on July 4. Following this, it is understood that preparations are underway to file the matter with the Judicial Council.
Lamichhane was ordered released on bail of Rs. 10 million by the Rupandehi District Court on January 26, 2025. This decision had already raised suspicions at the time. Subsequently, on April 4, 2025, the High Court of Tulsipur ruled that Lamichhane should remain in custody for investigation, and the Supreme Court upheld this order on April 20, 2025, leading to his transfer to Rupandehi prison.
“It is evident from the complaint that certain individuals associated with the defendant Rabi Lamichhane, as well as some media outlets, have been continuously promoting the narrative that Lamichhane is innocent and that the government is causing him undue hardship. They have conducted signature campaigns and exerted unnecessary pressure and influence on the judiciary to obtain favorable orders from an independent judiciary,” the complaint states.
“Furthermore, supporters of the defendant have even named three judges currently serving in the Rupandehi District Court and are spreading rumors that these judges have already prepared orders outside the bench to release Lamichhane on bail. Therefore, immediate investigation is necessary, and action should be taken against the judges who prepare orders outside the court proceedings in this manner.”