The Supreme Court issued a direction order to the District Court, Kathmandu, to fast-track the case against Sandeep Lamichhane on 27th February. However, even after two months the issue remains the same.
The case has not progressed despite four hearings in the district court since the Supreme Court’s order. If the hearing was adjourned without three hearings, even if there was argument in one of the hearings, the judge adjourned it without placing it under ‘monitoring’.
In the final hearing of the matter, which is at the adjudication stage, an application for interim compensation was moved on behalf of the “victim” Gaushala 26. While the district court had already ruled on March 10 that the issue of interim compensation should not be taken up now as the matter was nearing adjudication. However, for the second time compensation has been demanded by giving another application on behalf of Gaushala 26. In the earlier rejected petition, now the court has ordered to deposit the will compensation. A lawyer in Sandeep said that tomorrow’s hearing can also be postponed on the pretext of studying this will.
Due to the delay in the disposal of the case, Sandeep’s cricket career has been greatly affected. Sources close to him say that he has suffered a financial loss of crores due to losing all the international franchises. He did not even participate in 4 matches of the national team while he was in jail for 99 days.
Nepal is now playing an important tournament. Nepal will take on strong teams in the World Cup Global Qualifiers to be held from June 18 to July 9. Before that Nepal is touring South Africa to prepare for the tournament. The question has been raised whether Sandeep will be available for the total tour of one-and-a-half months.
Sandeep is a very important player of the Nepali team. While he was in jail, Nepal toured Namibia as part of the World Cup League 2. They lost all 4 games they played.
Nepalese cricket’s fortunes have changed since Sandeep was released from jail and joined the team. Nepal has been winning one tournament after the other. Sandeep has contributed with bat or ball in every match. He was Man of the Tournament in the recently held ACC Premier Cup.
Sandeep is going through mental stress as there is a pending court case going on. Sandeep’s lawyer says, “Because of the settlement of the case, he is not able to openly protest even in the field.