Kathmandu — Once a name that revolutionized Nepal’s music scene, renowned DJ Yuvraj Bhandari, popularly known as “DJ Yuva,” has once again returned to the spotlight — this time not for music, but for securing a historic legal victory after a decade-long, emotionally and financially exhausting legal battle.
At the height of Nepal’s emerging DJ culture, DJ Yuva was a trailblazer. With his distinctive style, striking stage presence, and high-energy performances, he elevated DJ culture to new heights in Nepal and earned recognition abroad as well. His appearances in music videos and his charismatic personality captivated an entire generation of youth. For nearly a decade, he dominated the music and DJ scene both nationally and internationally.
However, life did not continue in the same rhythm.
Personal Tragedy and Legal Ordeal
The most dramatic turning point in DJ Yuva’s life came after the death of his wife, the late Vibeke Itzen Meyer, who passed away in 2010 at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu. Following her death, a legal dispute over inheritance of her assets located in Norway escalated into a prolonged international legal battle.
The late Meyer’s former husband and family filed a claim in Norwegian courts, asserting ownership over her entire estate. DJ Yuva has alleged that during a private probate process in Norway, he was excluded from the list of legal heirs without his knowledge. He further claims that his marital status was falsely recorded as “divorced,” and that critical facts related to marriage and testamentary documents were deliberately concealed. According to him, illegal evidence was prepared — allegedly with the involvement of the Norwegian Embassy in Kathmandu — to support the inheritance claim against him.
After losing cases at both district and appellate courts, DJ Yuva reached a point of near despair.
“Fighting this legal battle for ten years exhausted everything I had earned through years of hard work in Germany and Norway,” he said emotionally.
Once residing in luxury, he now lives alone in a modest rented room in Kathmandu, leading a simple life.
A Life of Integrity and Sacrifice
Despite the circumstances, DJ Yuva has never been driven by material wealth. He is widely known for dedicating his life to social service and development in Nepal, contributing not only his time and talent but also millions of rupees from his personal assets.
Even towards those who filed the case against him, he chose forgiveness over hatred, humanity over vengeance. Through acts of generosity, he demonstrated that his values extended far beyond material possessions.
Ironically, in one of the world’s wealthiest countries — and against a billionaire family — he was dragged into court over property, despite never prioritizing wealth in his life.
Standing firm for justice cost him everything materially, but his dignity remained intact. Though his comforts vanished, his principles never did.
Supreme Court’s Historic Verdict
After years of legal struggle, justice finally prevailed.
On February 17, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nepal delivered a landmark verdict recognizing Yuvraj Bhandari as the sole legal heir to the entire estate of the late Vibeke Itzen Meyer. The court declared Meyer’s will invalid and clarified that under Nepali law, a spouse holds full inheritance rights to the deceased’s property.
The verdict further stated that since Meyer was residing in Nepal at the time of her death, Nepali law applies under principles of international private law. Consequently, the private probate process conducted in Norway was declared unlawful.
Preparation for Legal Action in Norway
Following the verdict, Thomas Reinholdt, attorney at Oslo-based Reinholdt Advokatfirma AS, issued a formal legal notice to Meyer’s children and their legal representatives, demanding transfer of the estate within 14 days or face further legal action. The notice has already been dispatched through Nepali advocate Devendra Pradhan.
According to attorney Reinholdt, any distribution of assets based on the invalid probate certificate would be illegal, and all properties must be returned to Bhandari. Claims for compensation due to negligence and fraud will also be pursued.
DJ Yuva is now preparing to file cases at the Oslo District Court, seeking ownership of Meyer’s properties in Norway, Italy, and Spain, along with compensation for damages. He maintains that he was deliberately wronged and will pursue fraud and compensation claims against the involved parties.
NRN activists Kumar Pandit and Roshan Shrestha in Norway have played a significant role in supporting this legal process.
“I Finally Got Justice”
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, DJ Yuva expressed profound relief.
“I finally got justice,” he said. “But the price of justice was extremely high — ten years of my life, my career, my wealth, and my peace of mind.”
Despite the physical, mental, and financial toll, he is now preparing to return actively to the music industry.
“For the rest of my life,” he said, “I will dedicate myself to justice, music, and self-respect.”
An International Legal Debate
The case has sparked serious debate in both Nepal and Norway regarding international inheritance law, marital recognition, probate procedures, and diplomatic responsibility. What began as a personal tragedy has now raised critical questions about cross-border legal practices.
DJ Yuva’s story is not merely about a legal victory of an artist —
it is a powerful reminder that justice may be delayed, but truth ultimately prevails.
