Kathmandu, Oct 5: In a significant development, the Supreme Court of Nepal has initiated a hearing on a writ petition filed against President Ram Chandra Paudel’s decision to grant clemency to Yograj Dhakal, known as “Rigal,” a notorious gangster. The single bench of Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma is presiding over the case.

President Paudel had granted clemency to Raghav Thapa on the occasion of Constitution Day. However, this move sparked controversy as Thapa had been convicted of the murder of Chetan Maanandhar in Nepalgunj back in 2072 B.S. (2015 AD). Following the conviction, Bhandari had been serving his sentence until he was granted clemency.

Chetan Maanandhar’s widow, Bharati Sherpa, had filed a writ petition challenging the presidential pardon. This case had previously been presented for hearing twice but had not been decided upon.

Notably, Rigal faced accusations of a gruesome murder, where he allegedly attacked and killed Chetan Maanandhar with a sharp weapon. After receiving a presidential pardon, Bharati Sherpa initiated a hunger strike in protest. She arrived in Kathmandu on Tuesday to seek justice through legal means, and her health deteriorated, leading to her hospitalization at Bir Hospital yesterday.

The Supreme Court’s decision to hear this case has garnered significant attention in Nepal, as it raises important questions about the use of presidential pardons in cases involving serious crimes. It remains to be seen how the court will ultimately rule on this matter, but it is a case that underscores the importance of justice and accountability in the legal system.