RSP raises questions about Supreme Court order on Rabi Lamichhane

Kathmandu: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has raised questions about the latest order by the Supreme Court concerning its party president, Rabi Lamichhane. The Supreme Court had upheld an earlier order by the High Court in the Tulsipur Butwal bench to keep Lamichhane in pre-trial detention.

Following the Supreme Court’s order, the RSP central committee convened a meeting, concluding that while it is legally bound to abide by the court’s decision, it believes the order to be incomplete and unjust.

RSP’s statement after the meeting states, ‘The Rastriya Swatantra Party is legally compelled to comply with the latest order by the esteemed Supreme Court in the case concerning party president Rabi Lamichhane, but from the perspective of conscience, considers the order to be incomplete and unjust.’

The RSP further stated, ‘The failure to meaningfully address the habeas corpus petition, which is linked to fundamental rights, and the deviation from focusing solely on the matter of ‘bail hearing’ to delve into the merits of the case, thereby imposing the burden of proof on the defendant contrary to Section 25 of the Evidence Act 2031, along with the disregard of precedents established by the Supreme Court itself in ordering detention, have become a matter of concern for citizens who believe in the rule of law.’

The party also expressed its belief that the government has been acting out of vengeance against its party president in the cooperative fraud case. It said, ‘Instead of seeking a nationwide solution to the cooperative crisis, the government has engaged in selective prosecution, differential treatment, and discrimination based on party affiliation in similar cases. The Rastriya Swatantra Party has portrayed this as a form of ‘political vengeance.’ The party concludes that Rabi Lamichhane has not engaged in organized crime, but rather, the state itself is engaging in organized crime against him — a sentiment that is resonating with the general public.’

Furthermore, the RSP has decided to launch a ‘broad campaign for justice against vengeance.’ Party vice-treasurer Deepak Bohora has been appointed as the coordinator of this campaign.

Nepali version of the news