Nepal Supreme Court Blocks Further Extension of Ex-PM Oli’s Detention

The Supreme Court of Nepal has ruled that the detention of former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak cannot be extended any further, clearing the way for their expected release later this week.

The decision came on Monday after the court reviewed habeas corpus petitions filed by their wives, which challenged the legality of their continued detention. While the petitions were dismissed, the court directed authorities to complete the investigation within the current timeframe, without granting any additional extensions.

Oli, 74, and Lekhak were arrested on March 28, shortly after Balendra Shah assumed office following elections held after last year’s political unrest.

A lower court had most recently extended their custody until Thursday, marking the third extension as investigators examined their alleged roles in a violent crackdown on protests that left at least 76 people dead.

Despite the ongoing probe, neither Oli nor Lekhak has been formally charged, and both have denied any involvement in the violence.

Oli has remained under medical supervision in hospital since shortly after his arrest, with officials citing existing heart and kidney conditions.

Their arrests followed a recommendation by an inquiry commission to prosecute Oli and other officials for failing to prevent security forces from opening fire on demonstrators. The commission accused the two leaders of “criminal negligence,” suggesting their claims of ignorance were attempts to deflect responsibility.

The case has intensified political tensions in Nepal, with Oli’s party condemning the arrests as politically motivated and calling for public protests.

The unrest, which began over a brief social media ban, quickly escalated into nationwide demonstrations fueled by economic grievances. The protests turned violent, with parliament and government buildings set ablaze, ultimately leading to the collapse of Oli’s government.

Prime Minister Shah, a 35-year-old former rapper turned politician, secured a decisive electoral victory on a platform focused on reform and youth-led governance, defeating Oli in his own constituency.