Tensions between Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s secretariat and Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki had been mounting over an investigation involving fixer Inam Sapkota and his alleged links with the PM’s political adviser.

Anti-graft body seeks Rs734.956 million in damages, prison terms, fines, and confiscation of land transferred through the disputed swap.

The CIAA alleges that government officials colluded to let a company exchange valuable land in Biratnagar, which should have been confiscated, for cheaper plots.

A full court meeting on Monday said it will not investigate allegations against its own members.

The court has given the government three months to introduce regulations, licensing requirements and monitoring mechanisms for controlled commercial cultivation, while calling for wider consultations on recreational use.

Justices discussed their contacts with Inam Sapkota, allegations involving Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma, the Constitutional Bench dispute and possible judicial code violations.

Messages and alleged financial records linked to Inam Sapkota have prompted calls for an independent probe into Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma and Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal.

The Supreme Court justice says Inam Sapkota raised pending cases with justices and warned them of impeachment, prompting them to report him to the prime minister’s office. He denies any financial dealings or improper arrangements.

Separate documents circulating on social media also appear to link Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma, an RSP lawmaker and a senior police officer to alleged bribe payments.

The government has appointed the Buddhist nun and singer to lead the Lumbini Development Trust despite unresolved questions over her citizenship and a money-laundering investigation dating back to 2018.

When Chief Justice Sharma formed the bench on October 7, Justice Phuyal refused to sit, leading to the suspension of proceedings.

Recent appointments have renewed debate over merit, experience and political influence. Career judges are absent from the Supreme Court and their share of High Court judges is declining.

Protesters want Ani Choying Drolma’s selection as head of Lumbini’s development trust annulled over questions about her money and her citizenship. She says every question has been answered. The record is less certain.

A new circular allows settlements in certain criminal cases once a court rejects a linked organised-crime charge and the appeal process ends. Former judges warn the provision could be misused.

The public has 10 days to file complaints against the four judges recommended for appointment to the Supreme Court.