Corruption Hearing Begins Against Former PM Madhav Kumar Nepal

Former Prime Minister and CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Madhav Kumar Nepal is facing a corruption case in the Special Court over allegations of illegally granting land exemptions to Patanjali Ayurved and Yoga Peeth.

The CIAA accuses Nepal of allowing Patanjali to buy 815 ropanis of land in Kavre in 2009 under special exemption for non-profit use but later allowing it to be used and sold for commercial purposes, violating land laws. Out of that, 353 ropanis were sold to a private real estate company.

The court hearing began after Nepal gave his statement. The debate on whether to keep him in custody is ongoing. Senior lawyers, including Sushil Pant and Shambhu Thapa, are representing both sides.

The CIAA seeks Rs. 18 crore in damages, claiming the decision was an abuse of administrative power, not a legitimate policy move. Nepal has personally appeared in court but remains suspended from parliament during the case.