Nepal Court Halts Arrest Warrant Against Former PM Deuba and Wife

The Supreme Court of Nepal has granted major interim relief to former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife Arju Rana Deuba by staying the arrest warrant issued against them in a high-profile money laundering case linked to last year’s violent anti-government protests. A division bench of Justices Nityanand Pandey and Mahesh Sharma Paudel issued the interim order while hearing a petition filed by the Deuba couple. During the hearing, the bench raised serious questions over the legality of the arrest warrant issued by the Kathmandu District Court and observed that proper legal procedures were not followed before the warrant was approved. The arrest warrant had been issued on April 6, 2026, by the Kathmandu District Court in connection with allegations related to money laundering and unrest during the large-scale anti-government demonstrations that shook Kathmandu in September 2025. The protests, organized under the banner of a Gen Z movement, saw thousands of young demonstrators take to the streets demanding political reforms and accountability from the government. The demonstrations turned violent on September 8 and 9, resulting in deadly clashes between protesters and security forces. According to reports, 76 people lost their lives during the unrest. On the first day of protests alone, at least 19 protesters were reportedly killed in police firing. During the chaos, the residence of Sher Bahadur Deuba was also attacked by protesters, and both Deuba and his wife reportedly sustained injuries. Following the incident, several videos circulated widely on social media showing large bundles of Nepali currency and US dollars being burned, which later became part of the investigation linked to the money laundering allegations. In its latest order, the Supreme Court directed authorities not to arrest the former Prime Minister or his wife until further proceedings in the case. The decision has temporarily halted legal action against the couple and provided them with significant relief amid mounting political controversy. Reports also suggest that Nepal Police had approached Interpol seeking a Red Corner Notice against Sher Bahadur Deuba and Arju Rana Deuba as part of the investigation. However, the Supreme Court’s intervention has now put immediate enforcement measures on hold. The case continues to attract nationwide attention in Nepal due to its connection with political unrest, allegations of financial misconduct, and the involvement of one of the country’s most prominent political leaders.