Sandeep Lamichhane Rape Case: Kathmandu District Court Adjourns Verdict as Proceedings Set to Resume

Anticipation surrounding the Sandeep Lamichhane rape case verdict reached a temporary halt today as the Kathmandu District Court adjourned the proceedings. The hearing, presided over by Judge Shirish Raj Dhakal, featured government advocates presenting their case against the renowned cricketer.

The court’s decision to adjourn has set the stage for Lamichhane’s legal representatives to present their defense in the coming days. The cricketer’s fate hangs in the balance as the court will subsequently determine whether he will be acquitted or taken into custody pending further legal actions.

If found guilty, Sandeep Lamichhane could face a minimum jail term of 10 years. The alleged victim, asserting her status as a minor, is seeking a sentence ranging from 10 to 12 years for the cricketer. However, her exact age is yet to be confirmed, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings.

The case is framed under section 219 (1) of the National Penal Code Act, 2017, which categorizes non-consensual sexual intercourse with a woman or a girl child below eighteen years as rape, even with her consent.

In the event of Lamichhane’s conviction, the punishment could extend to imprisonment for ten to twelve years, considering the alleged victim’s age falls above sixteen but below eighteen, as specified in section 219 (4) of the National Penal Code Act, 2017. Additionally, the court may impose a fine of Rs 500,000.