KATHMANDU, Nov 23: The Supreme Court has ordered the release of medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai from custody.
A division bench of Justices Nahakul Subedi and Shreekanta Paudel issued the order on Sunday while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Prasai’s son, Nirajan.
Court orders release of medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai on Rs...
In its order, the bench noted Prasai had on August 22 pledged to conduct his mega campaign peacefully and therefore there was no need for further investigation or for keeping Prasai in custody.
The order states that the arrest warrant, its extensions, and all related investigation processes against Prasai stand annulled, and directs authorities to immediately release him from what the court termed “unlawful detention.”
Prior to the court’s order, Prasai-led campaign to save the country, sovereignty and religion and culture held talks with government representatives on Saturday night and withdrew all protest programmes it had announced from Sunday, including an indefinite general strike starting November 23.
According to the agreement, the government will continue dialogue, negotiations and facilitation to address the issues raised by Prasai’s campaign, taking into account the current law and order situation.
Police had arrested Prasai from his residence at midnight on November 18 on charges of making statements that could disturb public peace.
