Against the wide‑body verdict, the CIAA appeals to the Supreme Court

 Kathmandu — The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has gone to the Supreme Court of Nepal demanding punishment even for those acquitted in the wide‑body aircraft purchase scandal — calling for annulment of the verdict of the Special Court of Nepal.

CIAA has appealed to the Supreme Court arguing that the Special Court’s decision was flawed, and that even those cleared earlier must face legal action.

In its verdict in Mangsir, 2081 BS, the Special Court had convicted 10 of the 32 accused and acquitted the rest. Among those convicted were former Tourism‑Secretary and then‑Chair of the corporation’s board, Shankar Prasad Adhikari; the corporation’s then‑General Manager Sugat Ratna Kansakar; and board members Shishir Kumar Dhungana and Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane. Firms and their foreign representatives involved in the aircraft‑supply process were also convicted.

However, the Special Court had acquitted the then‑Tourism Minister Jeevan Bahadur Shahi, most of the board officials, and 14 staff members of the corporation — reasoning that their involvement was not proved beyond doubt, there was no evidence of bad faith, and their role was limited to the preliminary stages of procurement.

CIAA is now asking the Supreme Court to overturn that acquittal — insisting that giving immunity to some while convicting others undermines justice and that all those involved should be held accountable.