Rabindra Mishra’s Lawyers: Detaining Mishra with malicious intent is unjust

Kathmandu: Lawyers supporting Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s senior vice-chairperson Rabindra Mishra have argued that he should be released, claiming he was detained with malicious intent under charges of sedition.

During the hearing on Mishra’s habeas corpus petition at the Supreme Court on Friday, lawyers representing him—Raju Basnet, Shatish Krishna Kharel, Bishnu Prasad Bhattarai, and Govinda Bandi—presented the argument.

In court, the detainee stated, ‘Being held in custody out of malice under the pretext of sedition is wrong. Sedition is related to acts of war against the state. Using it in domestic matters is inappropriate.’

Following a violent protest in Tinkune on Chaitra 15 (March 28), senior vice-chair Mishra and general secretary Dhawal Shumsher Rana were arrested. Rana was released on bail on Baisakh 7 (April 19) for medical treatment.

Mishra’s legal team argues that there is no reason to keep Mishra in custody if Rana has been released. Mishra, arrested on Friday, Chaitra 15, was presented in court on Sunday at 5:20 PM. His legal team claims that the entire process was flawed procedurally.

Nepali version of the news