High Court Upholds Jail Sentence for Pokhara Ward Chair in Caste Discrimination Case

Kathmandu. The High Court Pokhara has upheld the District Court's verdict sentencing Bharat Bahadur Adhikari, the Ward Chair of Pokhara Metropolitan City-24, to four months in prison. The High Court confirmed the conviction in a case involving caste-based discrimination and untouchability.

A joint bench of High Court judges Anju Upreti Dhakal and Merina Shrestha affirmed the previous imprisonment and fine imposed by the Kaski District Court.

What was the incident?

On 2079 Poush 18, a discussion regarding budget allocation and vocational training for targeted groups was underway at the ward office. During the meeting, a dispute arose between Ward Chair Adhikari and Maiya Nepali, a Dalit woman member of the same ward. During the altercation, Adhikari used derogatory and inhumane language against Nepali, amounting to caste-based discrimination.

Following the incident, Nepali filed a case against the abuse and discrimination at the Kaski District Court. On 2080 Mangsir 7, a bench led by Kaski District Court Judge Avani Mainali Bhattarai found Adhikari guilty. The court sentenced him to four months and 15 days in prison and a fine of 75,000 rupees under the Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act, 2068.

Additionally, the court ordered 10,000 rupees in compensation to be paid to the victim, Nepali. Ward Chair Adhikari had appealed the District Court's decision to the High Court, which has now reaffirmed his conviction.

Pokhara Ward Chair sentenced to 4.5 months in prison and 75,000 fine for caste discrimination