KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court of Nepal has reached an impasse in passing a verdict on the case against Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, as the opinions of the presiding judges differed.

Following the hearing, the bench comprising judges Sapana Pradan Malla and Saranga Subedi was unable to reach a consensus.

Consequently, the Supreme Court will form a full bench of at least three judges to deliver the final verdict, according to spokesperson Bedh Prasad Upreti.

The writ, filed by advocate Anupama Bhattarai, seeks the suspension of Lamichhane.

Petitioners allege that his name is listed in a charge sheet detailing loans he allegedly took.

They are also challenging a letter from the Attorney General’s Office, which declared that there is no cooperative fraud case against Lamichhane.

The writ names the Attorney General’s Office, Attorney General Dinmani Pokharel, and Home Minister Lamichhane as respondents.

Bhattarai argues that Lamichhane’s roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister could unduly influence the investigation, compromising the principles of natural justice.

Therefore, an interim order has been requested to suspend Lamichhane from his ministerial position during the ongoing investigation.