The Supreme Court has summoned both parties for a discussion on whether to issue an interim order in a writ petition filed by former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba against his arrest warrant.
After hearing Deuba’s petition on Tuesday, a bench of Justice Meghraj Pokharel scheduled a hearing for May 25 to discuss whether an interim order should be issued.
"As it appears necessary to review the investigation file and examine the procedures adopted before reaching a conclusion on whether to issue an interim order, a hearing has been scheduled for May 25 to summon both parties for a discussion on the matter," the court order states.
The Supreme Court has also given priority to the case.
"Considering the issues raised by the petitioner regarding due process of law and jurisdiction, it appears necessary to conclude the discussion on the interim order swiftly. Therefore, place this petition on the priority list on the day of the hearing and proceed according to the rules," the court added.
The court has also ordered that the investigation file be presented on the hearing date and returned afterward.
The Department of Money Laundering Investigation has obtained an arrest warrant for Deuba from the Kathmandu District Court.
In his petition to the Supreme Court, Deuba argued that the case falls under the jurisdiction of the Special Court. He also said that the Kathmandu District Court issued the arrest warrant even though it does not fall under its jurisdiction.
Deuba said that he is willing to cooperate with the investigation, is prepared to disclose the sources of his assets, and that there is no need for his arrest.
The Supreme Court has also ordered the defendants to submit a written explanation within 15 days.
Deuba and his wife Arzu Rana Deuba had recently traveled to Hong Kong and have not yet returned to Kathmandu.
The department had initiated a process to seek a red notice against him, but Interpol has not issued it yet.
