KATHMANDU, March 19: A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court (SC) challenging the legality of the Cabinet’s decision to recommend Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal for a seat in the National Assembly.
Advocate Manish Kumar Shrestha filed the petition on Thursday, naming Prime Minister Sushila Karki, the Office of the Council of Ministers, and Aryal as defendants, seeking annulment of the government’s decision.
Writ petition filed against Rabi Lamichhane
The petition argues that the recommendation violates Article 87(1)(g) of the Constitution of Nepal, which requires that a federal parliament member must not hold any office of profit. It also raises concerns over conflict of interest, stating that Aryal, who had previously advocated for a “cooling-off period” in appointments, was himself involved in the decision recommending his own nomination.
Aryal’s recommendation has been kept under consideration by President Ram Chandra Paudel, who has held the appointment for further review and discussion.
The Cabinet had recommended Aryal’s name on March 14 for one of the government-nominated seats in the National Assembly. Under Article 86(2)(b) of the Constitution, the President appoints three members to the National Assembly on the government’s recommendation, including at least one woman.
