Insurance Authority Chair Sharad Ojha May Face Legal Action Under Corruption Act
Kathmandu – Sharad Ojha, the current Chairman of the Nepal Insurance Authority, may face legal action under the Prevention of Corruption Act 2059 after allegations emerged that he misled the Government of Nepal by submitting false information during his appointment process.
Ojha was appointed on 12 Falgun 2081 by the Council of Ministers, based on claims that he held more than five years of high-level managerial experience in the insurance sector. However, official records and media reports reveal that he worked full-time as a journalist from 2072 to 2081 at Himal Media and Chanakya Media, and only began working part-time as an insurance agent in 2080. He also taught part-time at Apex College and Rajdhani College after completing a master’s degree in management.
The Prevention of Corruption Act clearly states that if any person secures a public position using forged or false documents, they may face imprisonment from six months to one year and a fine between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000 under Section 16. Section 24 further allows for an additional three years’ imprisonment if the offense is committed by a public official.
The case, currently under review by the Supreme Court, primarily concerns the legitimacy of Ojha’s appointment. However, legal experts note that separate criminal proceedings could be initiated if the documents he submitted are confirmed to be fraudulent. As Ojha is also a licensed advocate, stricter penalties may apply.
The government has yet to take further action pending the court’s verdict.