Opposition objects in parliament to former chief justice Jabara's arrest, Nepal Bar also protests

The issue of former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Jabara's arrest and release was raised at Monday's meeting of the House of Representatives. Opposition lawmakers objected to the government arresting him from his residence on the night of Asoj 10.

CPN-UML chief whip Ain Bahadur Mahar accused the government of setting an example of state terror by arresting Jabara without any offense or charge. The RPP and CPN also objected to the arrest. CPN said this episode of arrest and release had made a mockery of the rule of law. Shram Sanskriti Party MP Dhruba Raj Rai raised the issue and demanded a question-and-answer session with Prime Minister Balen Shah.

MP Dulal said the government must give a clear answer about the incident, in which Jabara was arrested at midnight and released before even 12 hours had passed. RSP MP Ranju Darshana also questioned the crackdown via Facebook.

The Nepal Bar Association has also objected to the midnight security operation, citing security concerns. In a statement, Bar general secretary and senior advocate Kedar Prasad Koirala called the arrest mysterious and suspicious.

Meanwhile, Jabara has sought additional security from police, saying there is a serious threat to his and his family's lives. His son filed the application on his behalf.