Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, January 26:

The Supreme Court today ruled that the Ministry of Land Reform and Management will face apex court’s action as its secretary did not follow the court’s directives.

The Supreme Court told the ministry to either perform the work as told by the apex court or face action for not obeying its directives. The apex court said the ministry did not perform the work which was given to it.

It would take action against the officials of District Land Reform Office Kanchanpur for not furnishing documents before the apex court as ordered.

Currently, Rudra Prasad Shrestha, is the ministry’s acting secretary.

The apex court move came after a writ petition was filed by a squatter, Man Bahadur Badu, against the Squatters Problem Resolution Commission and the District Land Revenue Office Kanchanpur seeking its order to the authorities to provide him land.

The petitioner moved the apex court after they issued a fake land ownership certificate to Badu six years ago.

“Furnish the details within three days or face action as per Section 29 of Judicial Administration Act 1991 and Section 219 (A) of Court Management Chapter of Civil Code 1963,” the apex court order states.

The court can impose one-year jail term or Rs 10,000 fine on anyone disobeying its directives. It can also take action on contempt of court charge or can impose Rs 500 fine for not producing documents at the apex court.

The Supreme Court wrote to the ministry following the decision passed by a division bench of Chief Justice, Hari Prasad Sharma, and Justice Balram KC recently.

“This is a serious matter as the ministry has flouted the court’s order,” the court stated.