Property Investigation Commission Office Established and Officially Commences Operations
The government has established a five-member Property Investigation Commission, chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Rajendra Kumar Bhandari, to control corruption and impunity. From today, the commission will formally begin its work, collecting detailed property information of public officials and their families for thorough investigation. The commission is required to submit its investigation reports to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, which must implement the recommendations within 45 days.
Kathmandu, 23 April – The Property Investigation Commission, formed by the government with the aim of reducing corruption and impunity, has officially started its operations today. The commission was created following a cabinet meeting on 9 April, which appointed a five-member panel chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Rajendra Kumar Bhandari. The commission’s office is established in Kesharmahal. Newly appointed Chair Bhandari took his oath of office and secrecy today before Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla.
Other members include former Chief Justice of the Appellate Court Purushottam Parajuli, former High Court Justice Chandiraj Dhakal, former Deputy Inspector General of Police Ganesh KC, and Chartered Accountant Prakash Lamsal. Chair Bhandari also administered their oath. The commission will function under the mandate of the Investigation Act 1969, with approved terms of reference (TOR).
With a one-year term, the commission will compile detailed information on domestic and foreign assets held by current, retired, or removed public officials and their families and conduct meticulous investigations. Upon completion of investigations, the commission must submit reports to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, who are obligated to implement the findings within 45 days. The commission commits to working independently, impartially, and professionally without succumbing to external pressures or influence.
The commission will collect complaints through written, verbal, electronic means, social media, and any other channels. It has the authority to consult experts from various fields as needed, though experts with conflicts of interest are strictly prohibited from participating. This commission’s formation aligns with item 43 of the “100 Governance Reform Agendas” approved in the cabinet meeting held on 27 March 2026, reflecting a commitment to combat corruption. Currently, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers is in the process of selecting 32 essential staff members for the commission. To ensure transparency, all commission employees must publicly disclose their asset details within one week.