15 October 2012. Responding to the writ petition that challenged government’s decision of promoting Raju Basnet to the post of brigadier general, the apex court today issued a stay order. 34 petitioners, including rights organizations and conflict victims, had filed the petition at the court on 13 October.
The petitioners have argued that the government´s decision to promote Basnet was unconstitutional and illegal because he was implicated in torture and enforced disappearance of 49 Maoist cadres from Bhairabnath Battalion barracks during conflict.
Both National Human Rights Commission and the OHCHR have recommended in their reports to the government that Basnet be brought to justice for his involvement in grave breaches of human rights.
National and international human rights organizations including Advocacy Forum have condemned the government’s decision to promote Basnet despite many requests for stopping the promotion.
