The Supreme Court has taken a significant step in response to a habeas corpus petition filed by Usha Karki Raut, the wife of Krishna Bahadur Raut, Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. In an order issued by a single bench, Justice Til Prasad Shrestha demanded that the government present Secretary Raut before the court within 24 hours.
Alongside this demand, the court has also instructed the defendants, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, to provide a written clarification via the Office of the Attorney General. The court seeks detailed reasons for the arrest made and questions why the requested order has not been issued to address the plaintiff’s concerns.
“Submit a written response through the Office of the Attorney General within 24 hours, accompanied by the detainee and any evidence, if there is a legitimate reason for not issuing the order as demanded by the petitioner,” states the order from the apex court.
The arrest of Krishna Bahadur Raut, carried out by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police, took place on Sunday. Raut, along with two others, faces allegations of involvement in an unauthorized transfer of government land ownership at Lalita Niwas. This plot of approximately 300 ropanis (around 15 hectares) of land, located in Baluwatar, encompasses the prime minister’s official residence, the Nepal Rastra Bank central office, and various residences of high-ranking government officials.
The Supreme Court’s decision to demand Secretary Raut’s appearance stems from the claims made by Usha Karki Raut, who argues that her husband’s arrest was unlawful. As the case unfolds, the court’s scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the arrest raises questions about potential legal irregularities and the justification for denying the requested habeas corpus order.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the court awaits the government’s response and determines the validity of the arrest.
, , arrest, habeas corpus petition, government land ownership, Lalita Niwas
