The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court, expressing dissatisfaction with the Special Court’s verdict in the wide-body aircraft procurement corruption case. The appeal, submitted today (Tuesday), challenges the acquittal of former Tourism Minister Jivan Bahadur Shahi and others, demanding their punishment.
On 20 Mangsir 2081, the Special Court had convicted 10 out of 32 defendants but acquitted Shahi and several others. Fourteen officials of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), including members of the Executive Committee, were cleared on grounds of insufficient evidence, lack of proven involvement, and absence of malicious intent.
The CIAA criticized the decision, stating: “Punishing some while granting impunity to others for the same offense reinforces the notion that the powerful are protected while the powerless face the law. Shielding offenders under a political cover undermines criminal justice.”
The CIAA maintains that the former minister colluded with the supplier company and its officials, acting with ill intent during the procurement process and making improper payments, which constituted corruption. Calling the Special Court’s decision flawed, the CIAA has now approached the Supreme Court seeking legal action against those acquitted.
The Special Court had found the following individuals guilty in the procurement process:
- Shankar Prasad Adhikari, Chairperson of the NAC Board and Tourism Secretary
- Sugat Ratna Kansakar, Managing Director of NAC
- Board members Shishir Kumar Dhungana and Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane
- The supplier company and its representatives involved in the aircraft procurement
With the appeal now filed, the case will undergo fresh scrutiny at the Supreme Court.
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