KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court (SC) has postponed the verdict date for the murder case involving former Speaker and CPN-Maoist Center spokesperson Agni Sapkota. Initially scheduled for Wednesday, the verdict was delayed due to the absence of Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, who was conducting court inspections in Baglung.

The hearing on the writ petition related to the murder of Arjun Lama from Kavre concluded on June 5, with a decision date originally set for June 26. However, Justice Raut's absence necessitated the postponement. The SC administration has indicated that Justice Raut is expected to return by Sunday. Consequently, the case has been deferred, and the SC plans to reschedule the verdict date for the Constitutional Bench, likely on either Wednesday or Friday.

The Constitutional Bench, comprising Chief Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha and justices Sapana Pradhan Malla, Prakash Kumar Dhungana, Kumar Regmi, and the absent Justice Raut, is tasked with delivering the verdict. In the absence of Justice Raut, another bench was constituted to handle other cases during this period.

The case stems from a writ petition filed by Purnimaya Lama, Arjun Lama's wife, in November 2012, demanding an investigation into murder charges against Sapkota and other leaders. Three such writ petitions are currently before the SC, with petitioners seeking orders for investigation and Sapkota's arrest. Given that the incident occurred during a conflict, the respondents believe that it fits within transitional justice systems. Arjun Lama was allegedly kidnapped and slain on April 29, 2005.