SC registers writ against land acquisition for UML new office building

Kathmandu, October 23 — A writ petition has been filed in the Supreme Court against the acquisition of land in Kirtipur by the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, for the construction of a new party office.

The land in question is claimed to have been donated by Min Bahadur Gurung, the proprietor of the Bhatbhateni Department Store. The petition, submitted by advocate Gyan Bahadur Basnet, asserts that accepting this land and establishing a party office therein constitutes an act of corruption.

Initially, the Supreme Court rejected the registration of the writ, thereby dismissing the petition. However, the bench presided over by Justice Til Prasad Shrestha subsequently overturned this decision on Tuesday, directing the court administration to proceed with the registration of the writ. Following this directive, the court administration has confirmed that the writ was registered on Wednesday.

The petition raises concerns regarding a corruption case pertaining to Lalita Niwas, involving the individual who donated the contested 10 ropani and 14 aana of land.

The petition emphasizes the public outcry regarding the legitimacy of acquiring land from a disputed party, particularly in light of the fact that the Prime Minister himself has inaugurated the building, prompting calls for an interim order to halt the construction.

Moreover, the writ specifically requests the issuance of an interim order to suspend the construction during the initial hearing.