Supreme Court of Nepal Orders Release of Rishiram Kattel; Durga Prasai to Remain in Custody

Kathmandu, Feb 24

The Supreme Court of Nepal on Monday ordered the release of Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Chair Rishiram Kattel, who had been detained on allegations of attempting to disrupt the upcoming elections.

A joint bench of Justices Hari Prasad Phuyal and Tek Prasad Dhungana issued the order while hearing a habeas corpus petition demanding Kattel’s immediate release.

Kattel was arrested by Nepal Police on February 18 on charges of trying to obstruct the electoral process.

In a related development, the apex court directed authorities to keep medical practitioner Durga Prasai in detention, citing the need for further investigation.

Prasai was also taken into custody by Nepal Police on February 18 on similar allegations of attempting to disrupt the election process.