The Supreme Court continues the hearing on the habeas corpus petitions filed by Rabi Lamichhane, President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and former DIG Chhabilal Joshi. Both are currently in judicial custody for their alleged involvement in a major cooperative fraud case.
The hearing, being conducted by Justices Nahakul Subedi and Bal Krishna Dhakal, started earlier this week. On Thursday, lawyers representing both Rabi and Joshi completed their arguments. Government lawyers also finished presenting their side.
On Friday, the complainants will put forward their arguments. A final rebuttal will follow, after which the court may announce its decision.
Lamichhane and Joshi are being held at Bhairahawa Jail in Rupandehi under pre-trial detention. Earlier, the Rupandehi District Court had ordered Rabi’s release on bail, but the Butwal High Court overturned that decision, sending him back to custody. Rabi has also challenged this in the Supreme Court, and both related petitions are being heard together.
The outcome of this case is being closely watched, as it could significantly impact Rabi‘s political future and public trust in the judicial process.