Resham Chaudhary Released After Supreme Court Clarifies Arrest Letter Was Unofficial; Section Officer Bista Arrested

In a dramatic turn of events, Nagarik Unmukti Party patron Resham Chaudhary, who was arrested earlier on Tuesday, has been released after the Supreme Court clarified that the arrest was based on an unauthorized letter.

Chaudhary was taken into custody from the premises of the Nepal Academy in Kathmandu, where he was scheduled to attend a political unification event between his party and the Janamat Party. His sudden arrest caused a stir, particularly given its timing during a politically significant program.

According to Superintendent of Police Apil Raj Bohara, spokesperson for the District Police Range, Kathmandu, the arrest was carried out on the basis of a letter issued by Mahiman Singh Bista, a section officer at the Supreme Court’s Judgment Execution Directorate. However, upon further review, the Supreme Court confirmed that the letter was not officially sanctioned.

“The arrest was made following what appeared to be a directive from the Supreme Court, but we later received clarification from the court itself that the letter was unofficial. As a result, Resham Chaudhary has been released,” said SP Bohara.

In the aftermath of the confusion, the Supreme Court issued a formal letter to the Central Jail at Dillibazaar, instructing them to release Chaudhary. Authorities have since arrested Section Officer Bista for his role in issuing the unauthorized document that led to the wrongful arrest.

The incident has raised serious questions about internal coordination and document handling within the Supreme Court and has sparked speculation about potential political interference.

Chaudhary, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with the Tikapur violence of 2072 B.S., had been released in 2080 B.S. after receiving a presidential pardon. However, following a Supreme Court verdict that overturned the pardon, legal uncertainty had resurfaced over his status.

Tuesday’s arrest and swift release have further deepened the controversy surrounding Chaudhary’s legal standing and highlighted systemic issues in Nepal’s judicial administration.