SC rejects former finance minister Paudel’s habeas corpus petition

Kathmandu / July 2: The Supreme Court (SC) has rejected a habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of former finance minister and CPN-UML Vice Chair Bishnu Paudel, meaning he will remain in custody as the investigation against him continues.

A joint bench of Justices Binod Sharma and Nityananda Pandey dismissed the petition on Thursday.

Earlier in the day, the Special Court extended Paudel’s judicial custody by six days to facilitate further investigation into a money laundering case.

Paudel was arrested in Surkhet on June 22 after investigators linked him to financial transactions involving controversial businessman Deepak Bhatta, who is currently in judicial custody pending trial on money laundering and other charges.

The habeas corpus petition was filed by Paudel’s wife, seeking his release.