Supreme Court Grants Review in Minor Rape Case Against Purna Bikram Shah Alias Paul Shah

Kathmandu, December 16, 2023: In a significant development, the Supreme Court has granted permission for the re-hearing of a minor rape case filed against Purna Bikram Shah, widely known as Paul Shah. A bench comprising justices Sushmalata Mathema and Hari Prasad Phunyal took this decision on December 8, responding to a petition filed by the Office of the Attorney General seeking a review of the High Court Pokhara’s decision.

The High Court Pokhara had previously acquitted Shah of the charges in the minor rape case, prompting the Attorney General to challenge the decision. The Supreme Court, upon careful consideration, found that the evidence presented in the initial hearings had not been properly evaluated in the High Court’s verdict, leading to its decision to permit a re-hearing of the case.

The controversy surrounding this case has been ongoing, with the High Court’s clean chit to Shah on February 16, 2023, raising questions about the adequacy of the legal process. The Supreme Court’s intervention is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring a thorough examination of the case, with a focus on justice for the victim and a fair trial for all parties involved.

The re-hearing is expected to shed light on the intricacies of the case and provide an opportunity for a more comprehensive evaluation of the evidence. The public awaits the proceedings with keen interest, hoping that the legal system will ensure a just and unbiased resolution in this sensitive matter.