President Paudel acknowledges RSP's concerns on amnesty issue

Published On: October 2, 2023 03:00 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Oct 2: President Ram Chandra Paudel has taken cognizance of the three-point attention letter submitted by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The RSP brought to President Paudel's attention the matter of amnesty granted to Yograj Dhakal, commonly known as the 'Regal' of Nepalgunj, on Constitution Day.

President Paudel, after carefully reviewing the attention letter, emphasized that there exists a constitutional provision whereby the government cannot disregard decisions passed by the Council of Ministers following the completion of all due procedures. He underscored that, in accordance with the parliamentary system, it is the government that is held accountable for decisions taken by the Council of Ministers.

Furthermore, President Paudel asserted that the Constitution grants him the authority to exercise discretion. As a manifestation of this authority, he raised questions and returned a letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs, pertaining to the amnesty of 34 individuals.

In addressing the RSP's approach, President Paudel remarked, "I don't believe you fully grasp our constitution, our republic, and our parliamentary system. Given that you are in parliament, and the government is a part of parliament as well, why didn't you hold the prime minister and home minister accountable directly? It appeared to me that the process was not in alignment with the constitution and the law."

President Paudel made it clear that he had accepted to pardon the imprisonment of the remaining 670 individuals since it was determined by the Council of Ministers following the required procedures. He reminded parliament that if there is disagreement with the law, it possesses the prerogative to amend it.

Furthermore, President Paudel expressed concerns about the perceived attacks on the constitution, the democratic system, and the republic. He called upon leaders committed to the constitution and the republic to exercise vigilance. He emphasized that there seems to be a concerted effort to undermine the democratic system and the republic by attributing every issue to the presidential institution. Protecting the democratic system, which was achieved through a 70-year struggle, is a shared responsibility, and leaders should be mindful of this, he concluded.