KATHMANDU: A writ petition has been filed in the Supreme Court demanding repayment of state funds spent on medical treatment abroad by former high-ranking officials.

The petition argues that using public money for overseas treatment of top state officials was against existing laws.

The petition has named several former leaders as respondents, including former President Ram Baran Yadav, former Prime Ministers KP Sharma Oli and Jhalanath Khanal and former Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala, along with the Prime Minister’s Office.

The case was filed by Saroj Kumar Neupane, claiming that such expenses violate the Public Health Act. The court has scheduled a preliminary hearing for Friday.

The petition follows a recent Supreme Court ruling on April 27 that struck down a provision allowing the state to bear foreign medical expenses of former VIPs.

The court ruled that the rule was inconsistent with the constitution and existing laws. Previously, government funds were routinely used for the overseas treatment of former officials, including presidents, prime ministers, and other high constitutional post holders, despite legal restrictions introduced in 2018.