Kathmandu — A special court in Nepal has begun hearing a high-profile corruption case against a former prime minister, in what is being seen as one of the country’s most significant legal proceedings in recent years.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has accused the former leader of abusing his official position and causing substantial financial losses to the state. Prosecutors allege that policy-level decisions were made to benefit private interests while he was in office.

Security around the court premises has been tightened amid heightened political and public attention. The case has sparked widespread debate across political circles and civil society.

Lawyers representing the former prime minister have rejected the allegations, describing the case as politically motivated. They argue that the decisions in question were collective policy actions and did not involve personal gain.

Legal analysts say the outcome of the case could serve as a major test for the rule of law, political accountability, and Nepal’s anti-corruption efforts.

The Special Court is expected to schedule further hearings in the coming days.