Corruption Case Against Former Minister Ram Kumar Shrestha Listed as 'Not to be Heard' by Supreme Court

The corruption case against former minister Ram Kumar Shrestha has been placed on the 'not to be heard' list by the Supreme Court. The case, which was scheduled before the bench of Supreme Court Justices Nahakul Subedi and Sunil Kumar Pokharel, was listed as 'not to be heard' on Friday.

Former Minister Shrestha, along with his wife Saraswati and son Saroj, had approached the Supreme Court after the Special Court Kathmandu convicted them in a case related to the acquisition of illegal assets.

Shrestha, who was also a former Secretary, served as a minister in the then-led government of Khil Raj Regmi formed in 2070 BS. Shrestha was convicted on charges of acquiring disproportionate assets since entering public service.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) had filed a case seeking recovery of 4 crore 45 lakh 27 thousand 668 rupees, alleging it was illegally acquired.

Having started his public service career as a teacher, he retired after serving as a Section Officer, Under Secretary, Joint Secretary, and Secretary in the civil service. The CIAA had also considered the period when he was a minister in its investigation.

The CIAA filed the corruption case against him on 15th Falgun 2078 BS. The CIAA claimed that he engaged in corruption by acquiring illegal assets during his tenure as Secretary and even while serving as a minister after starting his public service.

According to the CIAA, he entered government service in 2026 BS and retired in January 2064 BS. In 2070 BS, he returned to a government post as a minister in the caretaker cabinet.

During his public service, he earned 6 crore 90 lakh rupees. However, during the investigation, assets worth 11 crore 35 lakh rupees were found in his possession. The CIAA claimed a recovery amount of 4 crore 45 lakh rupees, citing the unexplained source.

The CIAA had demanded the confiscation of assets including 68 lakh 50 thousand rupees in his bank account, and real estate.