Patanjali's land involved in the corruption case against Madhav Nepal and 93 others (Photos)

Nepal Views

Kathmandu: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Jestha 22 (June 5) filed a corruption case against 93 individuals, including the Chairperson of CPN (Unified Socialist) and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, in connection with the Patanjali land irregularities case.

Following this case, the land in Sanga, Kavre, purchased by Patanjali Yogpeeth 15 years ago with a cabinet decision allowing an exemption from the land ceiling, has come into the spotlight.

Under Nepal’s leadership, the cabinet had, within two months, approved both the purchase of land under the ceiling exemption and its sale. On Magh 18, 2066 (February 1, 2010), the cabinet approved Patanjali’s purchase of 815 ropani of land under the land ceiling exemption.

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Similarly, on Chaitra 6, 2066 (March 19, 2010), the cabinet decided to allow Patanjali to sell the land purchased under the ceiling exemption. After the government approved the sale of the land, the CIAA began an investigation on suspicion of corruption.

According to the Land Act, 2021 B.S. (1964 A.D.), the government may provide an exemption from the land ceiling for establishing productive industries or businesses.

However, land acquired under such an exemption cannot be sold. The CIAA’s charge sheet filed at the Special Court states that the land was sold to various individuals despite this restriction.