BIRATNAGAR: The Supreme Court has directed the removal of the lock placed by Mayor Harka Bahadur Sampang of Dharan Metropolitan City on the office of the acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Prahlad Karki, at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS).

The bench of the Biratnagar High Court, led by Judge Shreedhara Kumari Pudasaini, issued the interim order to unlock the office of the Acting Vice-Chancellor on Thursday.

Mayor Sampang had locked the office, expressing dissatisfaction with issues, including the demands of teachers, staff, and doctors that remained unaddressed.

The order emphasizes that placing a lock on the institute, resembling a shutdown, violates the public’s rights to health services and regular healthcare services. The High Court has urged the opponents to ensure the regular operation of health services provided by BPKIHS and refrain from any activities contrary to the public’s right to health and life.

Mayor Sampang, who had warned against anyone else opening the lock, mentioned that he would personally unlock it when necessary. He padlocked the acting Vice Chancellor’s office on January 15.