Hearing Underway on Habeas Corpus Petitions Challenging Arrest of Oli and Lekhak

KATHMANDU — Court hearings are underway on habeas corpus petitions challenging the arrests of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

Police took Mr. Oli and Mr. Lekhak into custody early Saturday, accusing them of involvement in the deaths of Gen Z protesters during demonstrations on Sept. 8 while they were in office.

The arrests come as the new government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah has begun investigations into officials from the previous administration.

An inquiry commission headed by Gauri Bahadur Karki has recommended that the two be investigated under laws that could carry sentences of up to 10 years.

A petition filed by Mr. Oli’s wife, Radhika Shakya, challenging his detention is being heard by Justice Meghraj Pokharel, while a separate petition filed by Mr. Lekhak’s wife, Yashoda, is being heard by Justice Kumar Regmi. Hearings on both petitions are ongoing.

On Sunday, the Kathmandu District Court authorized the detention of the two men for up to five days for investigation.