The Supreme Court on Monday received a contempt of court petition against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Minister for Land Management Bala Ram Adhikari, among others, for their alleged role in the non-implementation of its order in the Giribandhu tea estate-related case.

Advocate Omprakash Aryal from Gulmi filed a petition with the top court, accusing the prime minister and the minister for land management of contempt of court for failing to implement a ruling in a land dispute case.

In the petition, filed under Supreme Court Rules, 2017, Aryal seeks action for the non-execution of a verdict issued by the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court on February 7, 2024, regarding the illegal use of land exceeding prescribed ceiling. The verdict instructed the Nepal government to reclaim land above the ceiling, identified as unutilised or lying barren, in the name of the state.

The case revolves around the lands of Giribandhu Tea Estate, which were found to have been misused for purposes other than intended. Despite repeated directives, the land has not been transferred to the government, as per the court’s decision.

In the petition, Aryal claims that since the ruling was passed, Prime Minister Oli, and Minister Adhikari, have obstructed the implementation of the decision for over seven months. Further, on January 15, an ordinance was issued through the Office of the President to bypass the ruling, preventing the execution of the verdict.

Aryal argues that such actions, led by top government officials, not only violate constitutional norms but also challenge the authority of the judiciary. He claims the obstruction of the Supreme Court’s orders is a direct affront to the rule of law and an act of contempt.

“This is a serious issue of contempt of court and non-compliance with the verdict delivered by the Supreme Court from the executive body that should have facilitated the implementation,” Aryal told the Post. “Such activities have to be curbed to promote the rule of law.”

In his petition, Aryal requested the court to take immediate action against those involved and issue a ruling to prevent further violation of the court’s orders. He called for appropriate measures to ensure the compliance of the executive bodies with judicial orders, in line with the country’s constitutional framework.

Aryal said that the hearing on the case is scheduled for Sunday, February 16.