Court Ultimatum: File charges or free Oli, Lekhak by thursday

In a significant development reflecting Nepal’s tense political climate, the Supreme Court of Nepal on Monday directed authorities to either complete the investigation against former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and ex-home minister Ramesh Lekhak by Thursday or release them from custody .

A joint bench of Justices Binod Sharma and Sunil Kumar Pokharel issued the conditional order while hearing separate habeas corpus petitions. The court ruled that authorities must “ complete the investigation and take necessary legal action, or release them in accordance with the National Criminal Procedure Code,” effectively barring any further extension of their judicial remand.

Oli, chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), and Lekhak, a senior leader of the Nepali Congress, were arrested last month over alleged involvement in the suppression of the ‘Gen Z movement’ protests held on September 8 and 9 last year, in which 76 people were killed .

Their detention had already been extended three times , most recently by five days, after investigators sought more time. However, the apex court’s directive now places a strict deadline on the probe, with the current remand set to expire on Thursday.

According to the order, if sufficient grounds for prosecution are established, authorities may proceed with legal action. Otherwise, both leaders must be released upon expiry of the detention period . Legal experts say the ruling raises the possibility of bail if charges are not promptly filed.

The case is based on findings of a probe commission formed under an interim administration led by Sushila Karki, which recommended legal action against both leaders , holding them responsible for the protest deaths.

Adding complexity, Oli, 75, is currently undergoing treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital due to multiple ailments, with police recording his statement from his hospital bed , while Lekhak, 62, remains in police custody .

The arrests followed a decision by the newly formed government led by Balendra Shah to implement the probe panel’s recommendations in its first Cabinet meeting, highlighting a broader push for accountability .

The developments underline heightened political tensions in Nepal , as legal action against senior leaders from major parties deepens rivalries and raises concerns over stability and due process in the country.