RAUTAHAT, FEBRUARY 3

The Rautahat District Court has issued a show-cause order against Prabhu Sah, Chairman of the Aam Janata Party (AJP) and a Member of the House of Representatives, along with another individual, in a contempt of court case on Sunday.

A contempt of court case was registered against Sah earlier on Sunday for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the judiciary on social media. Sah reportedly referred to judges of the Rautahat District Court as 'political stooges,' prompting legal action.

The case was filed at the Rautahat court on Sunday, following which the court issued the show-cause order against Sah and another accused individual. The order was issued by Judge Shambhu Prasad Regmi of Bench No. 6. Court officials indicated that while the order has been issued, the full text will take some time to be made public.

Pradeep Kumar Yadav, Mayor of Baudhimai Municipality, lodged the case in Bench No. 6 of the Rautahat District Court on January 31. Court Registrar Uddhav Dhodari confirmed that the matter was placed before the bench for registration but had not been officially recorded as of Sunday at 12:45pm.

Speaking to journalists, Dhodari remarked, 'It is inappropriate for a lawmaker, responsible for making laws, to mock the judiciary without evidence. Someone of Sah's stature, who has served as a minister multiple times, should not make such degrading comments about judges.'

A few days ago, Sah allegedly posted on his Facebook account, labeling Rautahat District Court judges 'political stooges', which led Mayor Yadav to file the contempt case. Additionally, AJP General Secretary Tribhuvan Sah has been accused of threatening Yadav with physical harm within the court premises.

According to Mayor Yadav, the controversy began when the municipality attempted to clear an obstructed road following an all-party agreement. During the process, an individual named Gangaram Baitha allegedly attacked and verbally abused Yadav. The local administration registered a case against Baitha, and the court subsequently ordered his remand in custody.

According to Rajaram Yadav, former president of Nepal Bar Association, Rautahat, the contempt of court charge against MP Sah and General Secretary Sah could result in monetary fines, imprisonment, or a formal pardon, depending on the court's decision.

When contacted earlier, MP Prabhu Sah had dismissed the issue, stating, 'I have no idea about this. I don't know who is doing what. You should ask the court.'