Kathmandu: Rabi Lamichhane, President of Rastriya Swatantra Party and former Deputy Prime Minister, has taken legal action against Kantipur Publications by filing a defamation case at the Kathmandu District Court.

The case, registered on Tuesday, lists Kantipur Publications' Publisher Kailash Shirohiya, Managing Director Sambhav Sirohiya, and Kantipur Daily Chief Editor Umesh Chauhan, among others, as defendants.

Lamichhane alleges that the publications engaged in character assassination, deliberately publishing news that tarnished his reputation. The Kathmandu District Court has set January 31 as the hearing date for the case.

In his application, Lamichhane contends that the news reports caused significant damage to his prestige, dignity, and political career. As a symbolic gesture, he is seeking Rs 151 in compensation, emphasizing the perceived harm to his and his family's reputation.