Supreme Court Halts CPN-UML’s Construction of Party Office on Donated Land

The Supreme Court has issued a short-term interim order barring the CPN-UML from proceeding with the construction of its party office on a plot of land donated by businessman Meen Bahadur Gurung. The single bench of Justice Sunil Kumar Pokharel directed that no actions, including land ownership transfer of the 10 ropani 14 anna property, should take place until further review.

This decision came after a preliminary hearing on a writ petition filed by advocate Dr. Gyan Bahadur Basnet, who called for the cancellation of the donation. The court cited Sections 38 (3) and 38 (6) of the Political Party Act, 2073 BS, as well as Section 38(5), which specify conditions for accepting donations by political parties.

The land, located in Kirtipur Municipality Ward No. 2, Kathmandu, was donated by Gurung, owner of Bhatbhateni Department Company Pvt. Ltd., and the foundation stone for the headquarters was laid jointly by Prime Minister and UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli and Mr. Gurung. The court has summoned both parties for further discussion on November 11.