Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman and former Deputy Prime Minister Rabi Lamichhane is set to be released from custody today, December 19, 2025, following a bail order issued by the Butwal bench of the Tulsipur High Court in the Supreme Cooperative fraud and organised crime case.
The division bench ordered Lamichhane’s release after approving a bank guarantee of Rs 27.48 million, equivalent to the amount cited in the charge sheet. Lamichhane has been in judicial custody at Nakkhu Prison, and his release will take place once all bail-related legal formalities are completed at the district court.
According to the court order, Lamichhane must comply with strict conditions, including appearing before the court whenever summoned and informing authorities before any foreign travel. The bail order allows him to defend the case while remaining outside detention, though the legal proceedings will continue.
Lamichhane, a former Home Minister and a prominent media-turned-politician, has consistently denied wrongdoing and maintained that the case is politically motivated. His release is expected to have significant political implications, particularly for the Rastriya Swatantra Party, as the country moves closer to major electoral and political developments.
While today’s decision brings temporary relief for Lamichhane, multiple cases related to cooperative fraud and organised crime remain under judicial consideration, and final verdicts are yet to be delivered.