Kathmandu, July 7
The Supreme Court has sought a written response from Education Minister Krishna Gopal Shrestha to explain his role in releasing Saraswati Pradhan, who was arrested on the charge of caste-based discrimination.
Hearing a writ petition filed by Rupa Sunar, a journalist who was reportedly denied a flat by Pradhan for her being a Dalit, a single bench of Justice Kumar Regmi issued the order Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the bench also summoned both sides for the next round of hearing on Monday next week. Shrestha among other defendants has been asked to submit their response in the next 15 days.
In late June, police had arrested Pradhan for investigation, but Shrestha had put pressure on the police to release her. He was also found to be going to the police station to welcome her with an offer of a ride in his own vehicle.
In her petition, Sunar had demanded that Minister Shrestha is removed from the position.
