Property Investigation Commission Begins Formal Operations

Kathmandu. The 'Property Investigation Commission', formed by the government with the aim of ending widespread corruption and impunity in the country, has formally commenced its work from Wednesday.

The Council of Ministers meeting on April 15 had formed a five-member commission under the chairmanship of former Supreme Court Justice Rajendra Kumar Bhandari. The commission's office has been established at Keshar Mahal.

The newly appointed Chairman of the commission, Bhandari, took the oath of office and secrecy before Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla today, while Chairman Bhandari administered the oath to other members: former Chief Judge of the then Appellate Court Purushottam Parajuli, former High Court Judge Chandiraj Dhakal, former Deputy Inspector General of Police Ganesh KC, and Chartered Accountant Prakash Lamsal.

The Terms of Reference (ToR) for this commission, which has been given the responsibility to perform duties according to the Inquiry Act 2026, has also been approved. With a tenure of one year, the commission will collect and minutely investigate details of property held in the country and abroad in the names of officials who are currently in public office, retired, or have left their positions, as well as their families.

There is a provision that the commission must submit a report to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers as soon as the investigation of any individual is completed, which the government must compulsorily implement within 45 days.

Committing to work in a fully independent, impartial, and professional manner, the commission must fulfill its responsibilities without falling under anyone's pressure or influence. It will collect complaints through written, oral, electronic means, social media, or any other medium.