Supreme Court Seeks Government Response on Forced Evictions in Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu. The Supreme Court has sought a written response from the government regarding the forced evictions taking place in informal settlements and unmanaged settlements within the Kathmandu Valley.

Hearing the writ filed by Majid Ansari and others, Justice Sunil Kumar Pokharel's single bench has issued an order to submit a written response within 15 days, excluding the period for travel, through the Attorney General's office, against the respondents including the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.

The Supreme Court has sought a written response from the government on whether the mandatory process as per the Government of Nepal's 100-point governance reform document and Section 5 of the Right to Housing Act, 2075, has been completed. The Supreme Court has questioned on what legal basis the action of vacating collective settlements of informal settlers and unmanaged residents and demolishing houses and huts has been carried out.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court has sought a written response on what arrangements have been made for the rehabilitation, food and drink, medical treatment for the elderly, sick, and disabled, and alternative arrangements for the education of children for the families removed. The government has been asked for a written response on the latest status of data collection and verification of citizens removed from settlements, and the details of schools, monasteries, temples, and mosques demolished within the settlements and the work being done for their management.

The writ was filed against the government's decision issued on April 16, to move goods by April 17 and vacate the settlement from April 18, and the forced actions taking place. Regarding the interim order seeking to immediately stop the eviction process, the court has scheduled a hearing for April 23, stating that it is necessary to hear the views of both parties.