Supreme Court Orders Investigation into Loss-Making Chinese Aircraft Purchase
Summary
The Supreme Court of Nepal has ordered the government to explain the lack of investigation into the billion-rupee loss caused by Nepal Airlines Corporation's purchase of Chinese aircraft nearly 15 years ago. The aircraft have been inactive and the case involves allegations of political and administrative corruption.
Key Points
- Supreme Court has ordered an investigation into the decade-and-a-half-old Chinese aircraft purchase by Nepal Airlines Corporation resulting in billions in losses.
- The purchase of six Chinese aircraft was initiated in 2068 BS without proper feasibility, and they have not been operational for over a decade.
- Political pressure from former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and Finance Minister Barsaman Pun influenced the aircraft purchase without Ministry of Finance consent.
- The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority and other regulatory bodies have not acted on the case despite the significant financial loss and alleged corruption.
