Nepal's former crown prince in court

Nepal's former crown prince appeared in court yesterday (03.03.11) charged with disturbing the peace.

Paras Shah When was arrested after allegedly firing his gun during a drunken argument with fellow guests at a hotel.

Shah, 38 - who was stripped of his title when the country's monarchy was abolished in 2008 - was at the Tiger Tops resort in Chitwan, a national park and popular tourist attraction on December 11 when the incident happened. He was later released on bail of $140.

More than 1,000 supporters greeted Paras as he arrived in the southern town of Bharatpur for the hearing.

Basant Raj Gautam, chief officer for the southern district of Chitwan said: "Paras Shah presented himself in accordance with an order from the authorities."

Basant heard testimony from witnesses and was addressed by defence lawyers, before adjourning the hearing until March 16.

If found guilty, Paras faces a maximum penalty of two years in jail and a 10,000-rupee fine - equivalent to the bail money he has already paid.