Author: space4knews

Gujarat Titans triumphed over Kolkata Knight Riders by 5 wickets in an IPL cricket match, securing their third victory. Chasing a target of 181 runs set by Kolkata, Gujarat reached the total with just 2 balls remaining, losing 5 wickets in the process. Captain Shubman Gill delivered an outstanding performance, scoring the highest 86 runs off 50 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes. Alongside him, Jos Buttler contributed 25 runs and Sai Sudharsan added 23 runs.

Kolkata’s Varun Chakravarthy took 2 wickets, while Vaibhav Arora, Sunil Narine, and Ramandeep Singh claimed 1 wicket each. After winning the toss, Kolkata elected to bat first but were bowled out for 180 runs in 20 overs. Cameron Green top-scored for Kolkata with 79 runs, followed by Rovman Powell with 27 runs and Tim Seifert adding 19. Kagiso Rabada took 3 wickets for Gujarat, while Mohammed Siraj and Ashok Sharma secured 2 wickets each. Prasidh Krishna and Rashid Khan also chipped in with 1 wicket apiece. With this victory, Gujarat amassed 6 points from 6 matches, climbing to 4th place, whereas Kolkata remains winless with 1 point from 6 matches, positioned 10th on the table.

The Supreme Court has granted bail to Chief Minister Balen Shah in a contempt of court case, acknowledging his official duties. Shah had requested bail, citing his role as Prime Minister that prevents him from appearing personally in court. Earlier, bail was denied due to comments related to the court’s role made on social media. Kathmandu, 18 April.

The Supreme Court issued an order allowing bail in the contempt case against Balen Shah, considering his official responsibilities and role. Shah had filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking bail. The bench, comprising Justices Hari Phuyal and Shanti Singh Thapa, acknowledged Shah’s consistent attendance at court and accepted the necessity of his present official duties, thus granting bail.

“On 10 July 2023, this court ordered the presence of the accused. Accordingly, Balen Shah has been continuously appearing before the court as scheduled,” the Supreme Court stated in its order. “Taking into account Balen Shah’s current role and responsibilities, bail has been permitted as per the petition.” Shah requested bail asserting that personally appearing in the case as Prime Minister would affect the principle of separation, control, and balance of powers.

The dispute arose when Mayor Shah of Kathmandu Metropolitan City halted the screening of an Indian film containing controversial content related to Nepal. In response, Patan High Court issued an interim order. On 22 June 2023, after public comments on social media supporting the court’s role, Barsha Kumari Jha filed a petition demanding contempt proceedings against Mayor Shah. After submitting a written response, Mayor Shah requested arrangements to appear in court via bail. Previously, bail was denied due to concerns that social media expressions had caused public confusion.

April 17, Kathmandu – The Supreme Court on Friday night legally resolved the ongoing internal leadership transition dispute within the Nepali Congress that has lasted for eight months. The court validated the leadership elected during the special convention led by Gagan Thapa, offering a legal solution to the party’s conflict. This recognition officially acknowledges the risks taken by leaders like Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma in pushing for leadership change.

Following widespread criticism of Sher Bahadur Deuba’s leadership after the Jenji movement, then General Secretary Gagan Thapa, Bishwaprakash Sharma, and other leaders initiated a rebellion within the party demanding leadership change. Although they called for a special convention, the existing leadership at the time rejected the proposal. Subsequently, voices from 40 percent of convention delegates demanded the special convention be held, but the establishment faction attempted to delay it, facing strong opposition from Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma.

At Bhrikuti Mandap, with 54 percent delegate presence, a decision was made to change the party leadership and amend policies, a move also deemed valid by the Election Commission. However, leaders including then Acting Chairperson Purna Bahadur Khadka contested the commission’s decision in the Supreme Court. Notably, leaders from the Deuba faction also took part in the elections held on Falgun 21 under the leadership elected from the special convention. The Supreme Court has now provided clarity on the legal questions raised in the dispute.

By validating the actions of leaders like Gagan Thapa who challenged the established leadership structure, the court confirmed that the internal dissent within the party was constitutionally justified. The Supreme Court granted official recognition to Thapa’s Congress based on four key points:

• First: The expiry of the old committee’s term was not only technical but also meant the leadership’s legitimacy had ended. Once the leadership’s legitimate period ends, all decisions made automatically come into question, strengthening the justification for a special convention.
• Second: The court firmly held that failing to hold regular conventions reflects leadership’s incapacity or lack of will. In a democratic party, failure to timely transfer leadership not only indicates poor management but also undermines democratic values. Therefore, demand for a special convention may be necessary.
• Third: The legal objections raised by the Deuba faction were deemed weak by the court, highlighting that per the party statute, any demand for a special convention must be obligatorily fulfilled.
• Fourth: The most decisive factor was the court’s acceptance that the leadership elected through the special convention had already gained popular approval by participating in elections, underscoring the democratic principle that the final authority rests with the people.

This order settles the Congress dispute and sets a new legal precedent for the future. Initially, leaders from the Deuba faction reacted strongly to the court ruling. Leader Bimlendra Nidhi declared his continued rejection of the special convention, stating, “Even while respecting the Supreme Court’s decision, I will never accept the special convention.”

Similarly, Prakash Sharan Mahat criticized the ruling as unexpected and unnatural, expressing concern about the party’s direction. He said, “There is doubt about how Congress will move forward. The country is in a challenging situation and so is the Congress; therefore, it is essential to bring everyone together and progress collectively.”

With the court order granting legal recognition to Gagan Thapa’s leadership, the responsibility to resolve party issues now falls squarely on his shoulders. The question remains what path the Deuba faction will take—whether they will accept the verdict and cooperate with the new leadership or start another phase of political resistance. Uncertainty prevails, but rejecting the decision could risk dividing the party. However, Deuba faction leaders believe in the Congress’s democratic and rule-of-law values, raising the possibility of avoiding a split.

Gagan Thapa faces the challenge of managing the party, rebuilding trust, transforming division into unity, and strengthening the party’s connection with the public. Although rising from revolt to leadership is an achievement, the Congress suffered significant setbacks in the last election, making the prevention of any division a primary responsibility.

Vice-Chair Bishwaprakash Sharma has pledged to unite everyone moving forward. General Secretaries Gururaj Ghimire and Pradeep Paudel have also emphasized adopting a path of unity following the court’s decision. Gururaj Ghimire remarked, “The Supreme Court’s decision is just and reflects the outcome of the struggle by Congress members for rule of law and procedure in the country. This is neither anyone’s victory nor defeat.”

Since the leadership elected by the special convention currently holds interim status, the main responsibility ahead is to conduct the 15th general convention, scheduled for October. All eyes will be on how Gagan and Bishwaprakash manage to bring the party together in unity.

The news summary is prepared with editorial review. Gururaj Ghimire, General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, stated that the Supreme Court’s decision is neither a defeat nor a victory for anyone. The Supreme Court has granted official recognition to the Nepali Congress elected through the special general convention led by Gagan Thapa. Ghimire emphasized that all Congress leaders and workers must now unite and focus on the 15th general convention. Kathmandu, 4 Baisakh – Gururaj Ghimire expressed that the Supreme Court’s ruling does not signify any loss or win for individuals. He made these remarks following the Supreme Court bench of Justices Sharang Suvedi and Nripdhwaj Niraula’s decision to legitimize the Congress elected through the special convention under Gagan Thapa’s leadership. Ghimire himself was elected General Secretary through that special convention led by Thapa.

He described the Supreme Court’s ruling as the successful result of an unwavering struggle for legality and procedure. “The Supreme Court’s order on the writ petition regarding the Nepali Congress’s official status is just. It is a positive outcome of the members’ persistent fight for law and process in the country,” he said. “This verdict honors the dignity and contributions of everyone involved. It is neither a win nor a loss for any individual.”

Ghimire called on all Congress leaders and workers to come together in unity and focus enthusiastically on holding the 15th general convention. “Now, we must unite with all comrades of the Nepali Congress and concentrate on successfully conducting the party’s 15th general convention with zeal and harmony,” he added. “We should forget all past disputes, strengthen the internal unity of the Nepali Congress, and move forward.”

Kathmandu, April 17 – The Supreme Court on Friday night endorsed the Election Commission’s decision to recognize the special general convention of the Nepali Congress. This ruling ensures the continuation of the official status of the group led by Gagan Thapa. The court presented four key grounds for legitimizing the party’s special general convention.

First, the term of the previous central committee had expired before the special convention. The party had extended this tenure until the end of Magh (mid-February), citing exceptional circumstances, but even this extended period elapsed. The Supreme Court considered the expiration of the central committee’s term as a primary basis for validating the special general convention.

Second, the then-existing central committee of the Nepali Congress was unable to hold a new, regular general convention. After failing to convene the scheduled convention within the stipulated time, Gagan Thapa’s faction demanded a special general convention instead. The Supreme Court regarded the inability to hold a regular convention and the subsequent adoption of a special convention as both legally and party statute compliant.

Third, the Deuba faction of the Nepali Congress had challenged the special convention. Krishna Prasad Paudel, the Chief Secretary responsible for administrative affairs at the party’s central office, filed a complaint with the Election Commission opposing the special general convention. However, the Election Commission regarded the complaint from the administrative official as an internal party dispute rather than an official matter, thereby dismissing it as a valid objection. The Supreme Court upheld the commission’s decision.

Fourth, following the special general convention, the committee led by Gagan Thapa received official recognition within the Nepali Congress. The party, under Thapa’s leadership, participated in the elections. The Supreme Court dismissed the writ petition filed by the Deuba faction on the grounds that the committee’s candidacy and activities under Thapa’s leadership had been validated through the electoral process.

April 17, Biratnagar – Shiv Sada, 19, from Sindhuli, who was admitted to Birat Diagnosis Hospital and Trauma Center due to financial difficulties, has been discharged after his treatment expenses were paid by Arun Kumar Chaudhary, chairman of CG Holdings under the CG Group. Following the publication of news highlighting his family’s financial hardship, Chaudhary contributed funds to cover the medical costs.

Shiv Sada from Pokhre, Dudhauli Municipality-7, Sindhuli, had ingested poison on March 10. He was initially taken to Katari and then to Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar by his mother Maghiya Sada and wife Kritika for treatment. When treatment was not possible at Koshi Hospital, he was admitted to Birat Diagnosis Hospital on March 11. He was treated in the ICU due to his critical condition. During treatment, the total hospital and medicine bills amounted to NPR 139,186, including NPR 62,600 for hospital charges and NPR 76,586 for medicines.

However, due to the family’s poverty, they managed to pay only NPR 15,000 by borrowing money. Unable to cover the remaining NPR 124,186, Shiv’s mother, Maghiya Sada, set out on foot towards Sindhuli from Biratnagar in search of funds, leaving Shiv and his 14-year-old wife Kritika stranded at the hospital. The situation gained public attention on Matatirtha Aunsi when a report emerged that a mother and son had even pledged a mobile phone for treatment expenses while the son remained abandoned. This prompted Arun Kumar Chaudhary to express his willingness to provide immediate assistance.

On Friday, through coordination, Chaudhary paid NPR 100,000 towards the hospital bills. Following this contribution, the hospital granted a discount of NPR 24,186. Ajay Yadav, the hospital director, stated that understanding the family’s precarious financial condition, the hospital also extended support. “Their economic status was weak; after Arun Chaudhary paid the amount, we also provided a concession,” he explained.

According to Yadav, Shiv was admitted to the ICU and treated given his critical condition. “When treatment began, the patient was informed about the procedures and fees, and he was aware,” Yadav said. “At discharge, payment was requested, and he had promised to bring the money home, but did not return.” Shiv was discharged without even taxi fare to return home, so Director Yadav provided him with NPR 2,000 for travel expenses. At discharge, Shiv and Kritika expressed their gratitude to Arun Chaudhary for his help. “I made a mistake I shouldn’t have, but I will change now,” said Shiv, leaving the hospital with a smile. “I won’t repeat this mistake; I will work hard and earn.”

The Armed Police Headquarters in Halchok has sent a letter to the Police Headquarters in Naxal requesting details of its personnel who enter Singha Durbar. This follows the discovery that three Armed Police personnel, contrary to internal procedure, met with an external individual without submitting the required form, prompting a demand for clarification. The three personnel were found to have discussed the promotion of DIG with an external person inside Singha Durbar. April 17, Kathmandu.

The Armed Police Headquarters in Halchok has formally requested the Police Headquarters in Naxal to provide daily details of their personnel accessing Singha Durbar. On Friday, the Halchok office sent a written request asking for the list of Armed Police personnel entering Singha Durbar. According to regulations, if Armed Police personnel need to meet external individuals, they must adhere to internal procedural rules.

However, upon learning that some personnel violated these procedures by entering Singha Durbar and meeting with employees and others without authorization, Halchok has initiated disciplinary actions. “The Armed Police have established protocols for meeting with external individuals. Upon receiving reports of unauthorized meetings with external persons and personnel inside Singha Durbar, a letter was sent to the Police Headquarters,” stated a senior source from the Armed Police Force.

“The letter requests identification and disciplinary action against the Armed Police personnel involved in unauthorized entry and meetings at Singha Durbar.” The Armed Police require that, if personnel must meet an external individual, details must be disclosed and the purpose of the meeting informed in advance. Three Armed Police personnel have been asked for explanations after it was found they entered Singha Durbar and met external individuals in violation of regulations. “The three personnel who entered Singha Durbar against regulations are SSP Netra Karki, SSP Rajesh Upreti, and SP Harkraj Pant,” the source added.

April 17, Kathmandu – Santosh Narayan Shrestha, Chairman of Nepal’s Securities Board, has submitted his resignation. He announced his decision during the board’s executive committee meeting held on Friday. According to the Securities Act, the board chairman must formally submit their resignation to the government. Following this procedure, Shrestha handed over his resignation to the Finance Minister on Friday evening, as confirmed by sources within the Ministry of Finance.

After Friday’s board meeting, Shrestha informed the directors that he made the decision to resign in order to support the government. The directors shared this information. The government had appointed him as Executive Chairman of the Securities Board on November 25, 2024. Following his involvement in the investigation concerning asset cleansing linked to Deepak Bhatt, the government requested Shrestha to step down and cooperate. In line with this request, he tendered his resignation.

*An earlier version of this report contained inaccuracies in some facts and has been corrected – Editor.