Does Returning Illegal Medical Expenses Lead to Exoneration?

The summary of the news has been prepared following a detailed review. The CPN-UML has returned the illegally distributed medical expenses to the state treasury, which were allocated during the government led by KP Sharma Oli. Following the repayment of these medical expenses by former President Ram Baran Yadav, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and Jhalanath Khanal, there are indications that the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) might halt its ongoing corruption investigation.

Former Secretary Sharad Prasad Trital has expressed concerns that the CIAA’s decision to grant immunity when high-ranking officials return misappropriated funds sets a problematic precedent. On May 22 in Kathmandu, the CPN-UML returned the funds linked to illegally disbursed medical expenses during the KP Sharma Oli administration. Approximately NPR 40 million was refunded by former President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and Jhalanath Khanal.

This development has led to signals from the CIAA that it may stop investigating these cases. Following the initial publication of this news, many voiced their outrage publicly. Questions have arisen about why others should be denied such facilities if high-ranking officials receive pardons simply by returning the funds obtained illegally from the state treasury.

Critics have pointed to a precedent where former minister Vishnu Poudel’s son, Navin Poudel, and a then-advocate returned Lalita Niwas land to the government, resulting in no legal action against them. This has raised concerns about the inconsistent application of state law between privileged individuals and ordinary citizens.