Reactions polarized over Supreme Court decision

KATHMANDU, Dec 29: The rejection by the Supreme Court (SC) of the petitions seeking review of the apex court´s ruling on CA term extension has drawn mixed reactions from the political parties.

The main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) has defended the apex court decision while the ruling political parties and the CPN-UML have accused the SC of going beyond its jurisdiction. [break]

Chairman of Tarai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP) Mahantha Thakur on Wednesday said that the SC´s rejection of the petitions seeking review of the apex court ruling on CA term extension has raised questions about the supremacy of parliament.

Speaking at the fourth anniversary function of the TDMF in Kathmandu on Wednesday afternoon, Thakur termed the apex court´s decision as unfortunate.

“Parliament embodies the people´s sovereignty, and in rejecting the government petition seeking review of its ruling on CA term extension, the SC is inviting confrontation in the country,” Thakur stated.

Talking to media persons briefly at the same function, NC President Sushil Koirala said that the political parties should respect the SC decision. “We believe in the rule of law. So, we must respect the step taken by the apex court,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Political Advisor to the Prime Minister, Devendra Poudel, accused the SC of attempting to enter into politics.

“The judiciary has caused terror by entering into politics,” said Poudel while addressing a program organized by the Reporters´ Club in the capital, also on Wednesday afternoon.

He said that the prime minister has been in consultations with political parties and legal experts, adding that the latest step taken by the apex court is not a good indication.

“The SC does not have the right to take decisions in the way the cabinet does; it can only interpret the constitution and the laws,” added Poudel.

He also accused the apex court of presenting itself as competitor to the legislature and the executive branch.

CPN-UML Politburo Member Pradip Gyawali opined that the SC has invited a proxy war by rejecting the government petition seeking review of the apex court ruling on CA term extension.

“Such a step by the apex court will further complicate the situation in the present transitional period,” he stated.

Gyawali urged the SC not to project itself against the legislative and executive bodies of the state.

NC leader Ramesh Lekhak said that the SC´s latest move has invited complications in the country. “I hope the apex court will accept the government petition seeking review of its ruling on CA term extension,” he added.

Law and Justice Minister Brijesh Kumar Gupta said the SC must be accountable for the possible consequences if the country does not get a new constitution despite the continuous efforts of the political parties.

Addressing the same function, constitutional expert Dr Bhimarjun Acharya claimed that political leaders do not have any moral grounds for objecting to the SC ruling on CA term extension.

“If the apex court accepts the government petition seeking a review of its ruling on CA term extension, it will mean that the SC is under political influence,” Acharya opined.

President of Nepal Bar Association Prem Bahadur Khadka said that the political parties must respect the apex court´s decision if they believe in the separation of powers.