KATHMANDU | April 6, 2026
The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued a mandamus order to the government to release former Prime Minister and CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli, along with former Home Minister and Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak. A joint bench of Justices Binod Sharma and Sunil Kumar Pokharel passed the order on Monday, paving the way for the two influential leaders to be released from custody this coming Thursday.
The Supreme Court directed the authorities to release the leaders after completing the procedures under Section 15 of the National Criminal Procedure Code, 2074. While the court indicated that investigations can continue, it maintained that further detention is unnecessary. The brief order states:
"Release Oli and Lekhak by completing the procedure of Section 15 of the National Criminal Procedure Code, 2074, and proceed with further investigation and inquiry as required by law."
Summary Order, Supreme Court of Nepal
The leaders were taken into custody following recommendations from an inquiry commission led by former Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki. The commission was formed to investigate incidents related to the 'Gen Z Protests' that occurred on August 23 and 24, 2025.
Habeas corpus writs were filed by Radhika Shakya (wife of KP Sharma Oli) and Yashoda Lekhak (wife of Ramesh Lekhak). The petitions raised the following primary legal concerns:
- Lack of Judicial Authorization: Failure to obtain a prior arrest warrant from the court.
- Procedural Flaws: Absence of circumstances justifying the issuance of an 'emergency arrest warrant.'
- Unlawful Grounds: Claims that the arrests based on the Karki Commission's recommendations were prejudiced and illegal.
Source: Supreme Court Bulletin and Judicial Records.