KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court has cleared the way for the continuation of the cable car project to the famous Pathibhara temple in Phungling, the district headquarters of Taplejung.
A joint bench of Justices Nahkul Subedi and Abdul Aziz Musalman decided not to extend the interim order that had previously halted the construction. With this decision, the stalled construction of the cable car can now move forward.
Earlier, on Chaitra 7, a writ petition had led the court to issue an interim order on Chaitra 13 to maintain the status quo. Following this order, IME Group, led by chair Chandra Dhakal, had paused the construction of the lower station in Kaflepati.
The writ, filed by Yam Bahadur Limbu among others, had named Pathibhara Devi Darshan Cable Car Pvt. Ltd. and 13 others as respondents. The interim order had called for a halt to construction activities, citing the sensitive nature of the issue and its cultural implications.
The Supreme Court had summoned both parties for a hearing on Chaitra 26 to decide whether to continue the interim order. After hearing both sides, the court ruled on Wednesday that the order would not be extended.
With this decision, Dhakal’s company has received judicial relief, but local residents continue to protest the project, alleging cultural encroachment.
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