KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Sobita Gautam has strongly criticized the government’s move to file criminal charges against RSP Chair and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, calling it politically motivated and lacking legal grounds.
Speaking during the zero hour of Wednesday’s House of Representatives meeting, Gautam claimed that the charges, including allegations of forgery and fraud, have no solid legal basis.
She pointed out that a parliamentary investigation committee had clearly stated Lamichhane held no directorial or membership role in any cooperative and was not involved in mismanagement.
Gautam further alleged that the charge sheet includes names of individuals who have publicly denied filing complaints.
“Those shown as complainants have said their names were added without their knowledge,” she said, accusing the state of fabricating complaints to target emerging political leadership.
Highlighting procedural lapses, Gautam pointed to arrests without warrants and prosecutions in the absence of formal complaints as violations of the Constitution and human rights principles. She warned such actions undermine the rule of law and democratic values.
Referencing a recent statement from the Forum of Former Judges, which expressed concern over arbitrary prosecutions, Gautam said the situation reflects a weakening of legal integrity in the country.
Gautam concluded by stating that the charges against Lamichhane represent a serious misuse of power and authority, posing a grave threat to Nepal’s democratic system.
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