Pokhara, August 31

Pusparaj Sigdel, a ward member elected from Pokhara-Lekhnath Metropolitan City-8, was sent to prison today to serve the remaining term of his prison sentence.

District Court, Kaski had sentenced him to one month in prison and ruled a fine of Rs 1,000 around 16 years ago, after hearing on a polygamy case filed by his first wife Sushila.

A single bench of District Judge Tanka Bahadur Moktan had issued the verdict. Sigdel has yet to serve 26 of the 30 days prison term, court records show.

The District Court, about a month ago, had corresponded with District Police Office seeking help to arrest

fugitives on a list. While police had shown little interest to oblige the court, Sigdel appeared at court today after reading a news story about himself.

On his part, Sigdel claimed the issue was settled by the Supreme Court long ago. “The case was settled after I offered her alimony,” he said.

Meanwhile, it is interesting to learn that Sigdel had managed to make his way to the local body as an elected representative despite the provision in the Local Level Election Act 2016 that clearly bars anyone convicted

in cases of polygamy and others from taking part in elections until three years after they have served the sentence.

He won as a ward member candidate from the Nepali Congress.

Lawyers said, anyone convicted cannot contest election without serving his prison sentence unless he is pardoned by the president.