The Supreme Court (SC) took over four years to deliver its verdict on the controversial appointments of constitutional office bearers in 2020 and 2021. Lawyers had challenged the appointments, arguing that bypassing parliamentary hearings and using ordinances violated the constitution. However, the SC ultimately upheld the appointments, with a 3-2 majority in the five-member constitutional bench. Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut and Justice Nakul Subedi dissented.
A total of 52 appointments—20 through ordinance and 32 without parliamentary hearings—were made in two batches. While ordinances may be justified in the absence of Parliament, appointments made while the legislature was functional had raised serious concerns.
The verdict has drawn public criticism, further eroding trust in the judiciary. Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla called for self-reflection over the prolonged delay, but the full bench remained unmoved.
Politically, the ruling is a victory for former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who faced backlash for these appointments during a time of parliamentary dissolution and street protests. However, the verdict’s practical impact is minimal. Even if the SC had nullified the appointments, most office bearers have nearly completed their tenures. This suggests the judiciary may have sought to avoid a direct clash with the executive.
The ongoing Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of the Nepali Congress (NC) is unlikely to bring major political shifts. Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba remains committed to the alliance with CPN-UML and shows little urgency in convening the long-demanded general convention.
Prime Minister Oli continues to reassure NC that he will transfer power to Deuba as agreed. Yet, doubts persist in diplomatic and political circles—will Oli honor his word, or will he extend his rule by aligning with the Maoists?
Despite internal calls for the CWC to meet more frequently, Deuba has delayed proceedings. While leaders criticize the government’s performance, few advocate exiting the coalition. Senior leader Shekhar Koirala, however, has demanded an explanation for the UML alliance.
NC leaders are also concerned about the 2027 election, mainly about the electoral alliance. While grassroots members are against forging any electoral alliance with the Maoists, top leaders view it as a strategic necessity to counter UML. The big question remains: Will NC or UML partner with the Maoists, or will the elections proceed without alliances?
Also, with Deuba’s retirement approaching, succession battles are intensifying inside the NC. The party’s internal dynamics, and Deuba’s eventual successor are under close scrutiny.
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has rejoined CPN-UML, vowing to uphold the ideology of her late husband, Madan Bhandari, who advocated for Nepal’s communists to adapt to multiparty democracy. Senior leaders are divided on this issue. Some argue that Bhandari’s re-entry is justified, while others say that it is inappropriate for a former head of state to rejoin party politics. Another question is: Will she become a prime minister in the future? If UML emerges as the largest party and she secures the leadership, the possibility cannot be ruled out. To avoid the criticisms, Bhandari has asked the Ministry of Home Affairs not to provide her any facilities except the security personnel.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), once a rising force, now faces turbulence. Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane remains embroiled in a cooperative fraud case, leaving the party scrambling for a leader. While second-rung leaders vie for prominence, they have managed to keep disputes under wraps. The party continues to disrupt Parliament, demanding Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s resignation over his alleged involvement in the visit visa scam, but its momentum is waning.
A clash between lawmakers and bureaucrats has erupted over the Civil Service Act’s cooling-off period provision. Lawmakers rejected the clause, citing concerns over politically motivated appointments undermining governance. However, bureaucrats reinserted it into the draft, an audacious move that has drawn Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire’s scrutiny. An investigative panel may be formed, with the National Assembly yet to weigh in.
CPN (Unified Socialist) faces turmoil after corruption charges were filed against Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal. Party leaders, including Ram Kumar Bhakti, openly demand his resignation, arguing his continued leadership tarnishes the party’s image. Yet, Nepal clings to power—an unusual move amid legal troubles.
Inside Parliament, critical bills, including education and police reforms, are being prioritized. The government faces pressure to pass the education bill swiftly, following protests by teachers earlier this year.
