Dissatisfaction in NC over SC order to stay IG appointment

Published On: February 16, 2017 12:20 AM NPT By: Republica  | @RepublicaNepal


KATHMANDU, Feb 16: Dissatisfaction has mounted within the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) after the Supreme Court stayed the government's decision to promote Jaya Bahadur Chand as the chief of Nepal Police.
 
The dissatisfaction has reached such an extent that a section of NC lawmakers have started suggesting that an impeachment motion be brought against SC Chief Justice Sushila Karki. The dissenting NC lawmakers argue that the apex court had interfered with the jurisdiction of the executive body of the government through its decisions. 

A group of NC lawmakers held an informal meeting earlier this week to initiate impeachment motion against the chief justice. They alleged that the SC was trying to pose itself as another Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority. 

The cabinet meeting on Sunday had appointed Chand, a candidate supported by NC Chief Sher Bahadur Deuba, as the chief of Nepal Police. But the decision was halted by the court shortly after the government's decision.

A single bench of Chief Justice Sushila Karki issued an interim order not to execute the decision until the court issues next order, while also ordering the government to furnish documents related to the performance of all Deputy Inspectors General of Nepal Police. 

NC lawmaker Ram Hari Khatiwada, who was present at the informal meeting, argued there was no proper ground for the apex court to issue stay order against the government's decision to appoint Chand as Nepal Police chief. 

“The writ petition was filed on Friday itself, while the cabinet took actual decision only on Sunday morning. How could a court accept writ petition when the cabinet had not even taken any decision?” asked Khatiwada. “The writ petition was filed as a pre-emptive move.”

Sources said the lawmakers, mostly those belonging to Deuba faction, argued that the decision of the apex court had raised question about its impartiality and credibility. The lawmakers had maintained that they should initiate impeachment motion against Karki in order to stop the SC from becoming "another CIAA".

Not all NC lawmakers, however, are in favor of bringing an impeachment proposal against Karki. “There is no reason to bring an impeachment proposal against the chief justice. Independent judiciary is the backbone of democracy. We should all understand this. Let's not stoke this issue,” NC lawmaker Dhanraj Gurung tweeted on Wednesday.


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