KATHMANDU, April 28: CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has objected to the government’s decision to introduce ordinances after suspending the parliamentary session, alleging that the move raises serious questions about democratic practice and the rule of law.
Taking to social media on Tuesday, Basnet said the government opted for ordinances despite having a sufficient majority in Parliament, suggesting that there could be an ulterior motive behind the decision.
He claimed that the move may be aimed at appointing a “favorable” Chief Justice at the Supreme Court following the completion of the Constitutional Council of Nepal. “There is a suspicion whether the intention is to appoint a Chief Justice of its own liking now that the Constitutional Council is complete,” he wrote.
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The Cabinet on Monday had decided to recommend ordinances related to the Constitutional Council and cooperatives. Earlier, the government had recommended summoning a parliamentary session on April 21, and it was scheduled for April 30. However, the session was postponed on April 23, within 24 hours of being called, citing special reasons.
Basnet alleged that the government’s move was an attempt to bypass constitutional provisions that restrict the introduction of ordinances while Parliament is in session.
He also recalled that parties including the Rastriya Swatantra Party had strongly opposed similar ordinances introduced by previous governments.
