Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 3

The Supreme Court today held its second hearing on the writ petitions of former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala and other former ministers who have challenged the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) action against them. A joint Bench of Chief Justice Govinda Bahadur Shrestha and Justice Hari Prasad Sharma is hearing the case.

Pleading on behalf of Koirala, senior advocate Motikaji Sthapit said the CIAA had no right to take action on the basis of the Judicial Investigation and Probe Commission on Property (JIPC) report submitted a year ago, which is yet to be made public.

Sthapit argued the CIAA was acting as a tool of the government for initiating action against Koirala. 'It is strange that the CIAA has chosen to take action on the basis of an unpublished report. The government had demanded details of property of public officials and political leaders from the JIPC. Why has the CIAA initiated action?' he asked. Sthapit urged the court to halt the CIAA action against his clients.

The Bench has been hearing the petitions filed by Koriala, Govinda Raj Joshi, Arjun N KC, Rabindra N Sharma, Laxman P Ghimire, Surendra Hamal, Moti P Pahadi, Padam P Pokhrel, Jhalak N Wagle, Tara R Pandey and Chakrabandhu Aryal.

Advocate Badri Bahadur Karki accused the CIAA of flouting constitutional norms and terrorising political leaders. Advocates Harihar Dhal and Balkrisha Neupane also requested the Supreme Court to issue a restraint order against the CIAA.