SC begins hearing on petition against Sapkota appointment

Published On: January 28, 2020 07:48 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

Newly-electeed speaker of the House of Representatives Agni Sapkota (left) being sworn in by President Bidya Bhandari (second right) in the presence of the prime minister, chief justice and officials at the President's Office, Shital Niwas, Monday. Photo: Republica

KATHMANDU, Jan 28: The Supreme Court on Monday started the initial hearing on a case filed against the appointment of Agni Prasad Sapkota as the Speaker of lower House.

A single bench of Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla began the hearing into the case. The hearing will continue on Tuesday as well.

Half a dozen lawyers including the writ petitioner, senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi, and Baburam Giri argued that the judiciary should bar Sapkota from performing his duties as the Speaker since he is facing criminal charge. They also sought apex court order to direct the government authorities to arrest and prosecute him.

Sapkota was elected as speaker unopposed on Sunday. He took the oath of office and secrecy on Monday.

Senior advocate Tripathi had earlier filed the petition, challenging Sapkota’s appointment. Arguing that a case in connection with his involvement in relation to the murder of Arjun Lama of Kavrepalanchowk district is sub judice in the constitutional bench of the Supreme Court, human rights activists and lawyers have been demanding action against Sapkota. Sapkota faces charges of being involved in the murder during the Maoist insurgency.