Kathmandu, Sept. 22: The Supreme Court has issued a show-cause order in a habeas corpus petition challenging the arrest and detention of political analyst and Trimool Nepal Party chair Bharat Dahal.
The order is issued on Tuesday following an ex parte hearing before a bench of Justice Kumar Regmi. The detailed text and reasons for the order have not yet been published by the court.
According to the Supreme Court’s case records, the habeas corpus petition was registered as case No. 083-WH-0080 on September 21, 2026 (Ashoj 5, 2083). The petition was filed by Denika Dahal, daughter of Bharatmani Dahal, on his behalf, with the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers and others named as respondents.
The court’s online record shows that the matter was listed for hearing on Ashoj 6 and that the outcome was recorded as a “show-cause order.”
Dahal was arrested by police in Belbari, Morang, on September 20 and subsequently taken to Kathmandu. Police said the arrest was made on the basis of a warrant issued in Kathmandu.
According to reports, the arrest is linked to an investigation under the Electronic Transactions Act over content allegedly disseminated through his YouTube channel and other digital platforms.
The Supreme Court’s show-cause order does not, by itself, determine whether Dahal’s arrest or detention is lawful. The respondents are required to explain the legal basis and circumstances of the detention, while the detailed order will indicate the court’s reasoning and any further directions.
The case remains pending before the Supreme Court.
