Kathmandu: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against 93 individuals, including former Prime Minister and Chairman of the Nepal Communist Party (Unified Socialist Party), Madhav Kumar Nepal, at the Special Court. The case pertains to alleged irregularities in a controversial land deal involving Patanjali Yogpeeth in Kavre district.
According to Special Court Information Officer Yagya Raj Regmi, the CIAA has demanded a recovery of Rs 185.85 million from former PM Nepal. Along with him, former Secretary of the Ministry of Land Reforms Chhabi Raj Pant, and the company Patanjali Yogpeeth and Ayurveda Company Nepal have been named as defendants.
Background of the Case
The issue dates back to 2066 BS, when the cabinet led by then Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal approved a proposal to grant landholding concessions to Patanjali Yogpeeth, a company registered in 2064 BS to operate an Ayurveda school, hospital, and herbal farm. The government permitted the company to purchase 815 ropanis of land in Kavre under land ceiling exemptions.
Although such concessions are allowed under Nepal's Land Act 2021 BS, the law prohibits the sale of land acquired under this provision. Moreover, if the company dissolves, the land must be automatically returned to the government.
However, within a few months of acquiring the land, Patanjali began selling portions of it, allegedly in violation of legal provisions. This move raised serious questions, prompting the Public Accounts Committee to instruct the CIAA to launch an investigation in Jestha last year.
Scope of the Alleged Irregularities
According to the CIAA's investigation, Patanjali purchased a total of 554 ropanis, 5 annas, and 1 paisa of land in areas such as Sanga Mahendrajyoti, Nasika, Kavre. Of this, 314 ropanis, 15 annas, 2 paisa, and 1 daam were sold despite being under landholding concessions. Additionally, 252 ropanis, 3 annas, and 1 paisa were found to be Guthi land, registered under the Guthi Sansthan Hatichour, for which Patanjali was only a tenant.
The land, acquired at low rates, was allegedly sold at higher prices, leading to embezzlement of public property and financial damage to the government, the CIAA claims.
Legal and Political Consequences
As per Section 33 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Madhav Kumar Nepal’s position as a Member of Parliament has been automatically suspended with the filing of the case. He was elected to the House of Representatives from Rautahat-1 in the 2079 general elections.
The CIAA has accused the group of manipulating land deals, violating land ceiling regulations, and profiting illegally from government concessions. The case has significant political implications, particularly as it involves a former prime minister and other high-ranking officials.
This high-profile corruption case is being closely followed across the country and is expected to have wide-ranging legal and political ramifications.
