Kathmandu: The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued an interim order to halt construction activities for the CPN-UML’s party office on a plot of land reportedly donated by businessman Meen Bahadur Gurung.

The single bench of Justice Sunil Kumar Pokharel issued the order, preventing further developments on the Kirtipur-based land, which spans 10 ropani and 14 anna, until a more comprehensive discussion on the matter takes place.

The court's directive underscores the stipulations in Sections 38 (3) and 38 (6) of the Political Party Act, 2073 BS, which outline specific conditions for political parties receiving donations. Section 38(5) further mandates guidelines concerning financial assistance, detailing the prerequisites that a political entity must satisfy to lawfully accept voluntary donations. The interim order calls for a pause on all actions related to the ownership and construction processes until these regulations are fully examined in a court discussion.

The legal intervention followed a writ petition filed by advocate Dr. Gyan Bahadur Basnet, who challenged the donation arrangement and called for its annulment. In response, the court has scheduled a formal hearing on November 11, summoning representatives from both parties to present their arguments and supporting documentation.

The land donation, given by Gurung, owner of Bhatbhateni Department Company Pvt. Ltd., was earmarked for the construction of UML’s new headquarters in Kirtipur Municipality Ward No. 2. Earlier, CPN-UML Chairperson and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, along with Gurung, jointly inaugurated the site, laying the foundation stone for the project.

As the case progresses, the court’s decision to enforce the interim stay order has brought into focus the legal requirements for political donations and the adherence to procedural norms by Nepal’s political entities.