KATHMANDU: The lawyers representing Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) have concluded their arguments in the bail hearing of former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal at the Special Court.

Following the conclusion of the CIAA’s arguments, defense lawyers representing Madhav Nepal began their rebuttal. Senior advocate Shambhu Thapa opened the defense side’s arguments before a bench comprising Judges Tej Narayan Singh Raya, Ram Bahadur Thapa, and Bidur Koirala.

Nepal, along with 93 others, is facing charges of corruption and abuse of power in the controversial Patanjali land swap case.

The CIAA filed the case on June 5, accusing Nepal of misusing government authority during his premiership. The charges stem from a Cabinet decision that granted Patanjali Yogpeeth Nepal—a non-profit affiliated with India’s Patanjali group—special permission to acquire 815 ropani of land in Bancha village of Kavrepalanchok district.

According to the CIAA, Nepal unlawfully approved land ceiling exemptions, enabling land reserved for public projects like a hospital, herbal farm, and educational institutions to be repurposed for commercial use.

The anti-graft body has demanded Rs. 185.85 million in compensation from Nepal, with varying claims against the other accused depending on their involvement.