Kathmandu — The Supreme Court has dismissed a writ petition filed against the officials of the Commission of Inquiry formed to investigate the incidents of 23 and 24 Bhadau, effectively allowing the commission to continue its work without legal hindrance.
A bench comprising Justices Manoj Kumar Sharma, Nahakul Subedi, and Shrikant Poudel issued a directive order on Friday, rejecting the petition that challenged the composition and impartiality of the commission.
The writ petition was filed on Kartik 18 by advocate Bipin Dhakal, naming commission chairperson Gauri Bahadur Karki and members Vigyanraj Sharma and Bishweshwor Prasad Bhandari as respondents. The petitioner had questioned the neutrality and propriety of the commission members.
The petition argued that Karki and Sharma had publicly expressed views related to the incidents under investigation, and therefore should not be allowed to serve on the commission, claiming this could compromise impartiality. It further contended that officials who had already formed opinions could not conduct a fair inquiry.
The government had constituted the commission under the leadership of former Special Court President Gauri Bahadur Karki to investigate loss of life and property linked to the Gen-G movement. The commission also includes former Additional Inspector General of Police Vigyanraj Sharma and advocate Bishweshwor Prasad Bhandari, who has experience working with United Nations missions.
The commission has set up its secretariat at the former Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, which was damaged during arson incidents related to the unrest.
The Supreme Court’s decision comes at a time when the commission is actively recording statements from concerned individuals and stakeholders. With the dismissal of the writ, commission officials are now expected to carry out their mandate without procedural uncertainty.
