KATHMANDU: Following the corruption case filed on Thursday by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) against former Prime Minister and CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, questions are now being raised about former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s own tenure.

Under previous legal interpretations, Cabinet-level policy decisions were generally not subject to corruption investigations. However, the CIAA has filed a case alleging that a Cabinet decision under Nepal’s premiership—allowing Patanjali Yogpeeth to purchase land beyond legal limits—amounted to corruption.

This sets a new legal precedent that may open the door to scrutinizing other controversial decisions made at the highest levels of government.

The case against Madhav Nepal could serve as a landmark, potentially implicating Prime Minister Oli and other former prime ministers, including Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, in investigations related to questionable policy decisions made during their tenures.

During PM Oli’s premiership, he appointed the majority of the current heads of constitutional commissions, including CIAA Chief Prem Kumar Rai. With Rai’s term still ongoing, observers say PM Oli may be shielded for now. However, as public and legal scrutiny intensifies, questions remain over whether he can indefinitely evade accountability.

Cases linked to PM Oli’s leadership

Omni Pharmaceutical’s procurement scandal

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oli-led government approved the purchase of medical supplies at inflated prices. The deal, awarded to Omni Business Corporate International (OBCI), was based on a recommendation by a high-level task force headed by then Deputy Prime Minister Ishwar Pokhrel. A parliamentary committee later concluded that the procurement involved abuse of authority and violated public procurement laws.

Wide-body aircraft corruption case

A major corruption scandal occurred under Oli’s administration involving the purchase of wide-body aircraft by Nepal Airlines Corporation. Nepal’s Special Court has already issued verdicts in this case, and a U.S. company was fined for bribing Nepali officials, further exposing the depth of corruption.

Gokarna Resort land lease to Yeti Group

Oli’s Cabinet decided to lease government-owned land at Gokarna Resort to the Yeti Group for 25 years without open competition. The Office of the Auditor General criticized the decision, arguing it lacked justification and violated principles of transparency.

Giribandhu Tea Estate

The Oli government approved a controversial land-swap deal involving the Giribandhu Tea Estate in Jhapa. The Cabinet decided to transfer 343 bighas of land to Birtamod Municipality. However, the Supreme Court later annulled the decision. Despite concerns over potential massive financial maneuvering, no investigation has been launched.

Fake Bhutanese refugee scam

This international scandal began during Oli’s tenure, involving the illegal trafficking of Nepali citizens to the U.S. under the guise of Bhutanese refugees. Several high-profile individuals, including former ministers and government secretaries, are currently in custody.

Media reports suggest that key suspects claimed to have paid bribes directly to top officials, including Oli’s chief aide Rajesh Bajracharya and even CIAA chief Prem Kumar Rai when he was Home Secretary.

The CIAA’s case against Madhav Nepal signals a shift in how Nepal’s anti-corruption body may begin handling Cabinet-level decisions.

With multiple controversial actions linked to PM KP Oli’s premiership, legal experts and political analysts say he may not remain outside the scope of investigation much longer. Whether justice catches up or political protection prevails remains to be seen.