Chief Justice Sharma’s name linked to middleman Inam Sapkota; concerns regarding judiciary mounting
KATHMANDU:- Allegations have surfaced that Inam Sapkota, a middleman, attempted to manipulate a case currently under judicial consideration by exerting influence over several individuals—including Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma, Judge Hari Phuyal, RSP MP (and former AIG) Bishwaraj Pokharel, and former Armed Police Force AIG Banshi Dahal—in an effort to secure the release of another middleman, Deepak Bhatta, who is currently in prison. However, the concerned parties have issued a statement denying any acquaintance or involvement with Inam Sapkota.
In a statement, Chief Justice Sharma has refuted reports published in the media, asserting that he has no prior acquaintance with, nor has he ever met, Sapkota. He stated, “I have no involvement whatsoever with the individuals or the context mentioned in connection with my name; I have no acquaintance or contact with these individuals—neither directly nor indirectly—nor have I ever met them anywhere.”
Although a document that has surfaced claims that financial transactions took place in November, December, and January, Sharma has stated that he was already serving as Chief Justice during that period. He added, “On the dates mentioned in this context, I had not yet even become Chief Justice. I condemn this news—which is baseless, false, and purely a product of fabrication—disseminated with the malicious intent of creating confusion among the public.”
Chief Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal has urged against spreading misleading information regarding the judiciary and engaging in activities that could influence judicial processes. Noting that he is aware of the reports and news circulating about the judiciary and himself, he stated that matters concerning judicial misconduct are currently under investigation.
Citing instances of instability and insecurity within the judicial sphere, he has urged the media, stakeholders, and the general public not to form negative perceptions about the judiciary and judicial institutions, nor to create confusion that could influence ongoing investigations.
Stating that no actions have been taken that would compromise the integrity or reputation of the judiciary, he has called upon those within the judicial sector to uphold public trust in the institution.
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Pokharel has stated that he has never been involved in any form of irregularity, illegal financial transaction, or activities aimed at facilitating improper actions through intermediaries. “The allegations mentioned in the news reports are baseless, misleading, and entirely fabricated; I have no acquaintance, contact, or involvement whatsoever with any brokers or intermediaries,” he said. “The alleged financial transactions and other accusations linked to me are completely misleading and regrettable.”
Pokharel claims that he has no phone contact, relationship, or acquaintance of any kind with the intermediary, Sapkota. “I strongly condemn the attempt to link my name to objectionable allegations—made without any verified facts or official basis—as this constitutes a malicious effort to cause serious harm to my personal reputation, social standing, and public life,” he added.
