Kathmandu, September 25
Former Chief Justice Cholendra Rana has been arrested amid allegations that he was attempting to influence judicial proceedings and was becoming increasingly involved in political activities.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed the detailed grounds for his arrest. However, sources say repeated complaints had been lodged with the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers over Rana’s alleged involvement in governance-related matters and judicial affairs.
According to sources, Rana had become active on two fronts in recent months.
One was political. Sources say he had begun increasing his political activities and was showing interest in a possible future political role.
The other was judicial. He was allegedly taking an unusual interest in cases pending before the courts and meeting people connected to sensitive cases.
Increased activity from his Bansbari residence
Sources associated with the Ministry of Home Affairs say intelligence agencies had been monitoring Rana after the number of visitors to his residence in Bansbari increased.
“Surveillance was increased after there was a noticeable rise in people visiting Rana’s residence,” a source said.
According to sources, Rana’s activities increased particularly after Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma became Chief Justice.
Rana had reportedly told people who came to meet him that he could help facilitate matters if they were facing difficulties. He had also claimed that he had played a role in Sharma becoming Chief Justice, according to sources.
Alleged interest in sensitive cases
Sources claim Rana met with stakeholders ahead of hearings in several high-profile cases.
Among the cases mentioned are the Teramox case involving the Nepal Telecommunications Authority and the case concerning Birgunj Mayor Rajeshman Singh.
The allegations have raised questions about whether a former chief justice was attempting to influence ongoing judicial proceedings.
Special Court judges had also raised concerns
A senior Supreme Court source said that around two weeks ago, Special Court judges Narayan Paudel, Umesh Koirala and Bidur Koirala met Chief Justice Dr Sharma and several Supreme Court judges.
According to the source, the judges complained that the working environment at the Special Court had become extremely difficult.
The information was reportedly communicated to Prime Minister Balen Shah’s secretariat.
A Supreme Court source said Rana’s arrest appears to have been linked to a combination of factors, including his alleged political ambitions and his growing involvement in judicial affairs.
Arrest after Prime Minister’s return
Rana was arrested just hours after Prime Minister Balen Shah returned to Nepal following his participation in events related to the United Nations General Assembly.
Authorities have yet to publicly provide a detailed explanation of the legal basis for Rana’s arrest.
The allegations against Rana are based on claims by government and judicial sources, and further details are expected to emerge as the authorities disclose the grounds for the arrest.
