Himal Press 
Pokhara Ward-24 Chair Bharat Bahadur Adhikari
POKHARA: The Pokhara High Court has upheld Kaski District Court’s verdict convicting Pokhara Ward-24 Chairperson Bharat Bahadur Adhikari in a caste-based discrimination case.
Three years ago, Adhikari allegedly subjected female Ward-24 Member Maiya Nepali to caste-based discrimination and used abusive and inhumane language. Nepali subsequently filed a complaint at the District Police Office, Kaski, seeking justice.
In the case filed against Adhikari for discriminatory behaviour, the Kaski District Court delivered its verdict on November 23, 2023, sentencing him to imprisonment and a fine. A bench of District Judge Avani Mainali Bhattarai handed him four and a half months in jail along with a fine of Rs 75,000.
Challenging the district court’s decision, Adhikari had filed an appeal at the Pokhara High Court. On Wednesday, a joint bench of Judges Anju Upreti Dhakal and Merina Shrestha upheld the lower court’s ruling.
In January 2023, a dispute broke out between Adhikari and Dalit Ward Member Nepali during a discussion at the ward office regarding budget allocation for target groups and skill-based training. During the altercation, Adhikari allegedly used derogatory and inhumane language amounting to caste-based discrimination.
Responding to the court verdict, Ward Member Nepali said the court had delivered justice in a case where she, and the wider Dalit community, had been subjected to humiliation simply for her caste.
Under the Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and Punishment) Act, 2011, those found guilty of caste discrimination can face imprisonment of up to three months and a fine of up to Rs 50,000. Defendants holding public office can be slapped with an additional 50% penalty if the charge is proven.
The district court had also ordered Adhikari to pay Rs 10,000 in compensation to the victim.
