KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court has referred the habeas corpus writ filed on behalf of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane to a joint bench for further hearing.
A single bench of Justice Abdul Aziz Musalman issued the order on Tuesday following an initial hearing. The court will now conduct a joint bench hearing to decide on the legality of Lamichhane’s detention.
Lamichhane is currently imprisoned in Bhairahawa, following a April 4 ruling by the Butwal bench of the Tulsipur High Court, which ordered his detention for trial in connection with the alleged embezzlement at the Supreme Cooperative Society in Butwal, Rupandehi.
The writ was filed by his wife, Nikita Poudel, on Sunday, arguing that Lamichhane’s detention was illegal.
Previously, Lamichhane had moved the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the High Court’s decision. The SC has sought reports from both the High Court and Rupandehi District Court regarding the validity of their respective rulings.
Lamichhane had earlier been released on bail of Rs 10 million by the Rupandehi District Court on January 26.
However, both he and the government attorney had appealed the decision—Lamichhane requesting trial without bail and the government seeking detention.
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