SC to announce verdict on contempt case against PM Dahal after seven years

Published On: January 5, 2024 02:20 PM NPT By: Republica  | @RepublicaNepal


KATHMANDU, Jan 5: The Supreme Court (SC) is set to deliver its long-awaited verdict today on the seven-year-old contempt of court case filed against Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Originally scheduled for December 4, the date was postponed to January 5. The bench of Justices Ishwar Prasad Khatiwada and Kumar Regmi will announce the decision following today's hearing.

The case originated from a controversial statement made by PM Dahal, the chairman of the CPN (Maoist Center), in the Nepali month of Baishak 2073 BS regarding issues during the conflict. Senior Advocate Dinesh Tripathi and others filed a petition at the SC, asserting that Dahal's expression constituted contempt of court.

The court's decision may involve offering Dahal an opportunity to apologize, along with a proposal for imprisonment or a fine if the charges are confirmed. On the other hand, if the allegations are not upheld, the case will be dismissed.

During a Maoist gathering at the National City Hall in the last week of Baishak 2073 BS, PM Dahal expressed frustration, alleging a conspiracy against him within the court. He claimed that the court was being used against the Maoists, particularly citing the arrest of Maoist activist Chhabi Lal Adhikari on murder charge. In response to these events, Senior Advocate Tripathi filed the petition at the SC, urging legal proceedings against Dahal for contempt of court.


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