Kathmandu: The Supreme Court has decided to begin registering and regularly hearing habeas corpus petitions starting Sunday, Bhadra 29. The decision was made during an emergency plenary meeting held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut.

Chief Justice Expresses Sorrow Over Damage

Chief Justice Raut expressed deep sorrow over the recent incidents of arson, vandalism, and looting that targeted the court amid the nationwide unrest. He said that the attack on the judiciary — “the center of citizens’ faith” — caused extensive damage to important documents, equipment, vehicles, and destroyed key records of Nepal’s judicial history.

Commitment to Justice and Rule of Law

Despite the destruction, Chief Justice Raut reiterated his unwavering commitment to justice, constitutionalism, the rule of law, and protection of fundamental rights. He extended gratitude to judges, court staff, legal practitioners, security personnel, and citizens who helped protect court files and physical assets during the unrest, and urged for continued cooperation.

Move Towards Restoring Judicial Services

With this decision, the Supreme Court has taken a crucial step toward resuming judicial services disrupted by the recent violence, signaling its determination to restore public trust in the justice system.