Nepal Files First-Ever Corruption Case Against Prime Minister

Kathmandu. In an unprecedented move, Nepal’s anti-corruption watchdog has filed a corruption case against former Prime Minister and current Unified Socialist Party Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal. This is the first time in the country's history that a sitting or former Prime Minister has been charged in court with corruption committed while in office.

Corruption Allegation Tied to Land Deal Sparks Legal Storm

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed charges against Madhav Nepal, accusing him of illegally facilitating the sale of public land to Patanjali Ayurveda during his tenure as Prime Minister. According to CIAA sources, Nepal is named as a defendant in a case that centres around Cabinet decisions he led while in office.

The case revolves around over 590 ropanis of land in Kavrepalanchok, purchased by Patanjali Ayurveda in 2009 (2066 BS), allegedly under special exemptions that should not have applied. The land was acquired under the premise of a land ceiling exemption — a legal provision allowing land purchase for specific, government-approved uses.

However, CIAA's investigation revealed that approximately 315 ropanis of this land were sold unlawfully, in violation of the original usage conditions. Such sales are prohibited under Nepali law and can lead to the government reclaiming the property.

This move is seen as a direct result of a decision made by Madhav Nepal’s Cabinet to grant Patanjali special exemptions, which are now under legal scrutiny for bypassing standard land ceiling laws.

First Ever Court Case Against a Nepali Prime Minister

Though past prime ministers have faced allegations of corruption, this is the first instance where a formal court case has been registered. Previously, the CIAA refrained from investigating Cabinet decisions, citing them as beyond its jurisdiction.

The case marks a turning point in Nepal’s political accountability. Legal experts and political analysts say it sends a powerful message that no one is above the law, not even those at the highest levels of government.

If found guilty, the implications could be massive, not just for Madhav Nepal, but for others involved in the Cabinet decision, and could set a precedent for future corruption investigations at the highest levels of government.

The case is now registered at the Special Court, with proceedings expected to begin shortly.