Supreme Court bars arrest of Deuba couple in money laundering case

The Supreme Court of Nepal has intervened in a money laundering investigation, directing authorities not to arrest former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba. The top court's ruling on Monday stated that the Special Court holds exclusive jurisdiction over offenses investigated by the Department of Money Laundering Investigation, effectively nullifying an arrest warrant previously issued by the Kathmandu District Court.

The interim order came after a division bench heard arguments from both the petitioners, representing the Deubas, and the government. This follows an earlier show-cause order issued on May 19, which required respondents to submit written explanations. While the Deubas' legal team had sought immediate interim relief to prevent any arrest, the court initially opted to hear both sides before making a decision.

The case stems from an investigation into money laundering offenses, with arrest warrants being issued for the Deubas on April 6. The Supreme Court's latest directive provides a significant legal reprieve for the former prime minister and his spouse, shifting the adjudication of the case to the specialized Special Court.