Corruption Case Against Former PM Madhav Kumar Nepal Over Patanjali Land Scam Deemed Unfit for Hearing

Kathmandu. The corruption case against former Prime Minister and CPN Co-Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, related to the land misappropriation scandal involving Patanjali Yogpeeth and an Ayurvedic company in Nepal, has been deemed 'unfit to be heard'. The bench scheduled for the hearing comprised court President Sudarshan Dev Bhatta and members Hemanta Rawal and Dilliratna Shrestha.

The case was deemed unfit for hearing due to a relationship between Nepal, who is a defendant in the corruption case, and the then-Secretary of the Ministry of Land Reforms, Chhabiraj Pant, and the court President Bhatta.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed the case against 93 individuals, including Nepal, in the Special Court on Jestha 22, regarding the Patanjali land issue. The CIAA has sought a fine and penalty amounting to 18 crore 58 lakh 50 thousand rupees against Nepal.

The CIAA has accused Nepal, in his capacity as the then-Prime Minister, of abusing his position to transfer government public property for personal and institutional interests and engaging in corrupt practices.

The charge sheet claims that the cabinet led by Nepal, through a meeting on Falgun 6, 2066 BS, approved the transaction of land exceeding the ceiling limit for Patanjali. It is alleged in the charge sheet that Nepal, through a direct order on Magh 18, 2066 BS, facilitated the sale and exchange of land exceeding the ceiling limit for Patanjali.

A case was filed against 93 individuals for illegally selling and misappropriating 314 ropani 15 aana 2 paisa 1 dam of land, with the CIAA seeking a total claim of 18 crore 58 lakh 50 thousand rupees in damages.