Lamichhane’s lawyer Sunil Pokharel said, “He loses his ministerial post and there will be a by-election in his constituency.”
Political analyst Krishna Khanal said the minister’s departure is unlikely to affect the future of the ruling coalition.
Lamichhane, who hosted a popular television show before entering politics, could not be immediately reached for comment.
Pokhrel said Lamichhane would now like to get a regular citizenship card and contest the by-polls from the same constituency in southern Nepal.