Supreme Court Defers Rabi Lamichhane Habeas Corpus Hearing

A habeas corpus petition has been filed at Nepal's Supreme Court on behalf of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane, who is currently detained in connection with a cooperative fraud case. Lamichhane's wife, Nikita Poudel, argues that his detention is unlawful after a High Court decision overturned an earlier bail order by a district court. The Supreme Court has scheduled a joint bench hearing to assess the legality of Lamichhane’s detention and has requested case documents from both the High Court and District Court for further review. Proceedings have been delayed, in part, due to judicial recusals over potential conflicts of interest. The outcome of this habeas corpus petition will determine whether Lamichhane remains in custody or is released pending trial.