Judge Acharya Transferred Amid Controversy Over Businessman’s Release

Judge Yagya Prasad Acharya of the Kathmandu District Court, known for his recent decision to release businessman Arun Chaudhary amidst a contentious land dispute involving the Bansbari Leather Shoe Factory, has been transferred. The move, executed by Chief Justice Bishwombhar Prasad Shrestha, relocates Judge Acharya to the Mugu District Court as of yesterday.

The decision by Judge Acharya, which mandated Chaudhary’s release if the investigation into the land case wasn’t concluded within a two-day timeframe, sparked considerable controversy. Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha expressed astonishment, labeling it as the first unusual order in judicial history. He highlighted the unprecedented urgency imposed by the two-day deadline for automatic release if the investigation remained incomplete.