My plea for JUSTICE

My plea for JUSTICE
By LB Thapa

There is a well-known adage: "Justice delayed is justice denied." In my case, however, justice has been both delayed and denied. I possess all the evidence to prove my legitimate claim to my property, yet my plea for justice has been repeatedly turned down. 

I have learned a costly lesson for placing my trust in someone. Yes, I made a mistake by trusting the youngest daughter of my Guru, Khimlal, who initiated me by bestowing the sacred Gayatri mantra. I always respected my Guru with complete devotion. Out of that deep respect for my Guru, I trusted his youngest daughter, Parvati—a trust that ultimately cost me my land, currently worth approximately 100 million rupees. 

To help my readers understand the matter clearly, let me explain briefly. A few years ago, I wished to sell my land to meet growing expenses. A gentleman offered me 47.5 million rupees for the property, but after discussions with my family, we decided not to sell at that time. Instead, we considered mortgaging the land with a bank to secure a loan. 

In the meantime, Parvati, my Guru's youngest daughter, learned of our plan to mortgage the land. She contacted me with an alternative proposal. She offered to lend me 4 million rupees on interest, with the understanding that once she paid me the full 47.5 million rupees, I would transfer ownership of the land to her. I trusted her because her suggestion seemed reasonable. Moreover, she was the daughter of my revered Guru, leaving no room for doubt in my heart or mind. 

A few days later, she called me to the Land Revenue Office to complete the necessary paperwork. Initially, we had agreed that she would hold temporary ownership of the land. However, she suddenly changed her mind and began urging me to register the land permanently in her name. She invoked her father's name—my respected Guru—and insisted on permanent transfer, promising to pay all dues within two years. 

Still under the influence of my reverence for my Guru, I believed his daughter would never deceive me. Such was my faith in her that I ultimately agreed to transfer ownership of the land even though she had not paid me the agreed 47.5 million rupees. 

She later reneged on her word. Even after two years, she failed to pay the remaining amount. Consequently, I returned her money, including 2 percent interest—a total of seven million, eight hundred sixty thousand, six hundred rupees. 

Despite receiving back all the money with interest, she refused to return my land. She began fabricating stories and deliberately prolonged the matter, hoping to frustrate me. When I pressed her, she started demanding more money. She even demanded 60 million rupees at one point in order to give my land back. 

I approached the court and filed a legal case against her. I presented photocopies of cheques and evidence of cash payments made on various occasions. A legal battle ensued. My case was strong, as I possessed all the evidence to prove the circumstances under which I had transferred ownership of my land to her. 

To my utter shock, I lost the case in the District Court. The verdict was a devastating blow to a man in his seventies. Seeking justice, I appealed to the High Court. The case dragged on for years, and finally, the verdict came against me. I lost again. Despite the setback, I maintained my optimism and pursued my case all the way to the Supreme Court. Most unfortunately, I lost there as well. 

The law has ignored my situation. The legal system has completely abandoned me. Where can I now turn for justice? I wonder how such an outcome can be possible. I am the victim, yet I have lost everything I earned in my lifetime. Why is the law unable to see my suffering? 

Now, with the country's legal system closed to me, I turn to God. I ask God to dispense justice on my behalf. I have nothing left. I sold my only house to fight this legal battle over the years. Literally speaking, I am now a landless squatter. I live with my family in a rented house. My sons and daughters are married, but they show me no sympathy. They blame me for losing our property over nothing—and perhaps they are right. I do not hold them responsible, for I am the one who caused their suffering. 

My life has turned into a constant struggle. Can anyone help me find justice when every possible avenue has been closed? 

About me

My name is Chhabi Subedi 'Bijayee.' I live in Pokhara with my family. I am retired from a government job. I love literature, and I am also the author of a few books. I regularly write articles on various topics and publish in local and national newspapers. If you want to contact me, my WhatsApp number is 9846752813.

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