The Kathmandu District Court has dropped the organized crime charge against Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane.
On Friday, a bench of Judge Atmadev Joshi granted permission to withdraw the organized crime charge linked to the Swarnalaxmi Cooperative fraud case. However, the cooperative fraud charge against Lamichhane remains in place.
In amending the charges, the bench based its decision on ensuring compensation for the victims. The court’s order states that it has fulfilled its responsibility as a guardian by amending the case.
"...In the context of laws accepting the concept of victim-centered justice, the court must also fulfill the responsibility of a guardian to balance criminal jurisprudence, prosecutorial autonomy, victims' rights, and public interest when lengthy criminal procedures, severe charges, and obstacles to settlement could hinder justice and compensation for victims," the order stated.
The hearing was held on Friday after the District Government Attorney’s Office, Kathmandu, filed an application with the court to amend the charges.
Previously, charges of money laundering and organized crime against Lamichhane were also dropped by the Kaski District Court and the Parsa District Court.
