KATHMANDU, April 17: The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the Election Commission (EC)’s decision granting legitimacy to the leadership of the Nepali Congress (NC) elected through the party’s special general convention, while dismissing writ petitions filed by Sher Bahadur Deuba-led faction.
A division bench comprising Justices Saranga Subedi and Nripa Dhwoj Niroula ruled in favour of the EC’s recognition of the current Central Working Committee (CWC) led by Gagan Kumar Thapa.
Deuba camp rejects Special Convention, seeks NC reunification
Deuba and Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka had challenged the EC’s decision as well as the validity of the special general convention, arguing that the recognition of the Thapa-led leadership was unconstitutional, unlawful and contrary to the party statute.
With the verdict, the SC dismissed their petitions, effectively affirming the legitimacy of both the EC’s decision and the leadership structure emerging from the special general convention.
Deuba had maintained that he remained the duly elected president of the NC under the 14th general convention and had questioned the legality of the special general convention.
The ruling removes legal uncertainty surrounding the party leadership, allowing the Thapa-led committee to function without judicial restraint arising from the dispute.
