KATHMANDU: The petition challenging the President’s decision to grant clemency to Yograj Dhakal, alias ‘Regal,’ did not see a hearing today in the Supreme Court. The scheduled hearing before a single bench, presided over by Justice Dr. Kumar Chudal, was postponed, citing time constraints.
The case was placed on the list of cases ‘not to be heard’ due to the packed court schedule.
Regal, who was convicted of the 2015 murder of 29-year-old Chetan Manandhar, had been serving a life sentence following a verdict by the Banke District Court in May 2018.
On Constitution Day, a total of 670 prisoners, including Regal, were released from incarceration after the President acted on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers.
Upon his release, Regal was greeted with celebrations and feasts organized by friends and family.
Chetan’s wife, Bharti Sherpa, lodged a petition in the Supreme Court last Sunday, urging President Ramchandra Paudel to rescind Regal’s prison pardon and return him to custody. The Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Ministry of Home Affairs, District Administration Office Banke, District Jail Office Dang, District Administration Office Dang, and the Attorney General’s Office Ramshahpath Kathmandu have all been named as respondents in the case.
Expressing their discontent over the amnesty granted to Regal and others, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) brought the matter to the attention of President Paudel on Monday. Leaders, including RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, delivered a 3-point letter of concern to the President’s office at Sheetal Niwas.
RSP leaders conveyed their stance that granting amnesty to a person convicted of a heinous crime on Constitution Day constitutes a breach of the principles of the rule of law and the Constitution.
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