KATHMANDU, Aug 13: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has defended the prison conditions of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane, saying solitary cells are a rarity in Nepal’s overcrowded jails.
Speaking at a meeting of the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee under the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Lekhak dismissed claims that Lamichhane had been denied minimum facilities at Rupandehi prison.
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Citing infrastructural limitations and budget constraints, Lekhak said, “A space meant for 15–16 people often houses 35 inmates, as members have observed. That’s where the issue of physical infrastructure comes in. When people don’t sleep properly, health and psychological issues emerge, and tempers flare.”
He noted that across the country, most cells house multiple prisoners, with some holding as many as 30–35 inmates. “Rarely will you find a single prisoner in a cell—maybe one or two cases nationwide,” he remarked sarcastically.
According to Lekhak, Lamichhane is currently in a small but separate cell. “He has not been deprived of any available facilities, nor has he been given special privileges. The administration has consulted him if there have been any issues,” he said.
The home minister confirmed that Lamichhane’s transfer to another prison is under consideration. “Transfers require permission from the court overseeing the case. His request has been submitted, and decisions will be made after reviewing security and other factors,” he added.
