Special Court Seeks Arguments in Patanjali Land Irregularity Case Involving Former PM Madhav Kumar Nepal

Kathmandu. The Special Court has requested arguments notes from legal counsel in the corruption case involving former Prime Minister and CPN Co-Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal regarding the land misappropriation case of Patanjali Yogpeeth and Ayurveda Company Nepal. The bench comprising three judges of the Special Court, Hemanta Rawal, Dilliratna Shrestha, and Umesh Koirala, directed the submission of the argument notes.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a case against Nepal and 92 others in the Special Court on Jestha 22 in connection with the Patanjali land case.

The CIAA has sought a fine and penalty amounting to NPR 185.85 million against Nepal. The CIAA alleges that Nepal, in his capacity as the then Prime Minister, abused his position to facilitate the transfer of government public property for personal and institutional interests and was involved in corrupt activities.

The then Council of Ministers led by Nepal, through a meeting on Falgun 6, 2066 BS, approved the transaction of land exceeding the ceiling limit to Patanjali. The charge sheet claims 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 seeking a total claim of NPR 185.85 million in damages.