Hearing Postponed in Corruption Case Involving Former PM Madhav Kumar Nepal Over Patanjali Land Irregularities

Kathmandu. The hearing in the corruption case involving former Prime Minister and CPN Co-Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, concerning land misappropriation related to Patanjali Yogpeeth and an Ayurvedic company in Nepal, has been postponed.

The case was scheduled for a hearing before a bench comprising Justice Narayan Prasad Poudel and Umesh Koirala. Lawyers representing Nepal requested the postponement of the hearing.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed the case against 93 individuals, including Nepal, at the Special Court on Jestha 22, regarding the Patanjali land scandal. The CIAA has sought a penalty and compensation of NPR 185.85 million against Nepal. 

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

The charge sheet claims that the cabinet led by Nepal approved the transaction of land exceeding the ceiling limit for Patanjali through a meeting on Falgun 6, 2066 BS. 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 prescribed limit for Patanjali.

A case was filed against 93 individuals for illegal sale and misappropriation of 314 ropani, 15 aana, 2 paisa, 1 dam of land, with the CIAA seeking a compensation amount of NPR 185.85 million.