KATHMANDU, Feb 13: The High Court, Patan, on Sunday issued an interim order against the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT), telling the trust not to bar operation of Hotel Ananda Pvt Ltd until the final verdict on the matter is issued.

A single bench of Justice Naridhar Bhandari came up with the decision in response to a writ petition filed by the hotel’s management. The high court has also called both sides for a discussion on February 21.  

Hotel Ananda, being operated by Batas Group, fell into controversy for the operation of 'Nepal-India Friendship Dharamshala' without signing an official contract through an approval of the PADT board. In the next move, PADT’s board of directors on January 25 revoked the agreement reached earlier with Batas Group.

The committee formed to investigate the agreement with Batas Group recommended to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to cancel the agreement. The report suggested canceling the agreement stating that it is not good to promote commercial activity by constructing concrete structures at historical sites with cultural heritage.

The Batas Group has been accused of influencing the political leadership to construct many illegal structures inside the Dharmashala including sauna, bathtubs, gym hall, a health center and a meeting hall. The rent of a room has been fixed as high as Rs 11,000 per night for pilgrims and religious tourists.

 
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