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The Supreme Court has sought a written response from the government over the reasons behind the arrest of Nepali Congress leader and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

Issuing a show cause order in response to a writ petition filed against his arrest, a single bench of Justice Kumar Regmi today asked the concerned authorities to submit a written response through the Attorney General's Office within three days of receiving the notice. 

The court has issued a notice to the defendants, also seeking a report submitted to the Government by the commission formed to investigate the incidents that took place during the protests on Bhadra 23 and 24, 2082 BS and the original file prepared during the investigation.

Leader Lekhak's wife Yashoda had filed a writ petition in the Apex Court on Sunday, stating that her husband was being illegally detained. 

It may be noted that the NC Lekhak was arrested last Saturday after the new government decided to implement the recommendations made by the commission headed by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki. The Commission had recommended prosecution over criminal charges against Lekhak and former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli.

Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has expressed commitment to end administrative and legal hindrances as well as corruption to a great relief to the private sector. 

During the meeting with representatives of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry today, Minister Dr Wagle argued that a policy has been adopted to take the private sector ahead as the government's partner.

"The suffering of the private sector will end. We are your partner," he underlined. Stating that the role of the private sector is crucial in investment expansion and employment creation, the Finance Minister opined that attention should be focused in employment creation with investment growth.  

FM Wagle mentioned that he was determined to clean out corruption. 

Sharing that he was committed to making the country's economy vibrant, he underlined that a policy related to financial crime would be changed with the priority to fines rather than imprisonment in general financial irregularities. 

"We will bring a policy of monetary penalties in financial irregularities. Industrialists and entrepreneurs will not have to be imprisoned", the Finance Minister added, clarifying that the state has expected honesty from the private sector as well.

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung today visited the Nepal Police Headquarters, Naxal. 

Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by Inspector General of Nepal Police, Dan Bahadur Karki, among others.

On the occasion, the Home Minister thanked the Nepal Police for performing at their best despite limited resources. 

Urging the police administration to carry out their responsibilities with confidence, he assured them that there would be no unnecessary interference from any level in the discharge of their duties in the coming days.

Minister Gurung stressed that the police should work to change public perception and highlighted the need to bridge the gap between the police and citizens. 

He urged police personnel to treat citizens politely and present themselves in a cordial manner, making every effort to address public concerns.

"Nepal Police should take a leading role in disaster management efforts. Necessary training would be provided to Nepal Police for it," he said, promising career advancement opportunities for police personnel based on performance and through a scientific approach.

 The government is committed to making the police institution more technology-friendly and resourceful by further strengthening it, according to him.

Home Secretary Raj Kumar Shrestha applauded the role played by each police employee in successfully conducting the recent elections to the House of Representatives despite various challenges. 

He added that the competence and efficiency demonstrated by the Nepal Police during the elections proved their ability to perform effectively in any context.

IGP Karki stated that the Nepal Police is carrying out its duties with dedication and integrity while remaining within the jurisdictions defined by the nation’s Constitution, laws, and national and international human rights standards. 

He added that the professionalism of the police will further enhance their effectiveness and help meet citizens’ expectations in a timely manner.

The Home Minister also observed a data center at the Nepal Police Headquarters.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah held discussion at the Office of the Prime Minister with lawmakers representing Koshi Province on Monday focusing on the issues and possible solutions. 

According to Yagyamani Neupane, a lawmaker who participated in the discussion, members briefed the Prime Minister on both collective challenges and issues faced in the province.

“He focused on the issues that require immediate attention and solutions, giving everyone the opportunity to express their views”, said Neupane.

During the discussion, Prime Minister Shah emphasized that the government would address the issue based on priority and available budget.