KATHMANDU, April 16: The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the release of former minister and Nepali Congress leader Deepak Khadka, who was arrested on charges related to money laundering.
A joint bench of Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla and Justice Shrikant Paudel ruled that Khadka’s detention was “unlawful” and directed authorities to release him immediately.
However, the court has imposed a condition requiring Khadka to obtain prior approval before traveling abroad. According to SC spokesperson Arjun Prasad Koirala, the order clearly states that Khadka must seek permission if he needs to leave the country.
NC leader Deepak Khadka arrested
The ruling came in response to a habeas corpus petition filed by Khadka’s wife, Binita Thapa. During the hearing, the court concluded that both the arrest and the extension of his custody were not in accordance with the law.
The petition had named five government bodies, including the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, as defendants. The court ultimately ruled in favor of Khadka.
Khadka had been arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau for investigation into alleged money laundering offenses.
Following the Supreme Court’s order, authorities are now required to continue the investigation while keeping him out of detention, effectively allowing the probe to proceed without custodial confinement.
