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

The hearing is set to take place in the corruption case involving former Prime Minister and CPN Co-Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal concerning the land misappropriation case involving Patanjali Yogpeeth and an Ayurvedic company in Nepal. The case will be heard by a bench of three special court judges: Hemanta Rawal, Dilliratna Shrestha, and Umesh Koirala.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed the case against Nepal and 92 others in the Special Court on Jestha 22, regarding the Patanjali land scandal. The CIAA has sought a fine and penalty amounting to NPR 185.85 million against Nepal.

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

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, enabled Patanjali to sell and exchange land beyond the prescribed limit.

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 demanding a total recovery of NPR 185.85 million.