May 22, Kathmandu- The hearing regarding the case of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane is scheduled to take place in the Supreme Court today. The proceedings are being conducted before a bench comprising Justices Nahakul Subedi and Balkrishna Dhakal.

On Tuesday, ten lawyers presented arguments on behalf of Lamichhane, with senior advocate Raman Shrestha, who is expected to conclude his remarks, still pending. Lamichhane’s legal team has informed that the government’s side will present their arguments following Shrestha’s half-hour presentation. The court is expected to issue a ruling today on petition number 73 filed by Rabi and Chhabi, which includes Lamichhane's habeas corpus plea.

Following the petition, Mrs. Nikita Poudel filed a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of Lamichhane seeking his release. The hearing will also address a separate petition challenging the order of the High Court, Tulsipur (Butwal bench), which had ordered Lamichhane’s detention. A decision on this matter is anticipated later today.

Lamichhane has claimed that the charges against him are politically motivated, asserting that he has no connection with the cooperative involved and was serving as the managing director of Gorkha Media at the time of the alleged incidents. He was released on bail of Rs 10 million by the Rupandehi District Court in connection with a cooperative fraud case but remains in pretrial detention under the High Court. Similarly, Chhabi is also in pretrial detention at the district court. Both have filed petitions challenging their detention, with the High Court previously ordering the continuation of their detention orders.

The court’s decision today is expected to have significant implications for Lamichhane’s legal status and political career.