The ordinance trap: Is Nepal’s parliament losing its power?
Summary
The Nepal government led by Balendra Shah is issuing ordinances to dismiss political appointments made by previous governments, raising legal debates about retroactive dismissal and parliamentary authority.
Key Points
- The government of Nepal has issued six ordinances including a major one to dismiss 1,594 public officials appointed by previous governments.
- Legal experts debate the constitutionality and retroactive nature of dismissing officials appointed under prior laws through ordinances.
- President Ram Chandra Paudel is hesitant to issue certain ordinances especially concerning the Constitutional Council due to legal and procedural concerns.
- Critics argue that the frequent use of ordinances is undermining the parliamentary law-making process and turning Parliament into a rubber stamp.
- The government claims ordinances are necessary to fulfill governance reforms within the Council of Ministers’ 100-point agenda.
