Do not believe rumours of regression through statute amendment: PM

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 3: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged legal professionals not to believe the rumours that the current government will cause regression by amending the constitution.

In a meeting with the officials of the Nepal Bar Association at the Prime Minister’s office at Singha Durbar on Friday evening, the Prime Minister asked the members of the Nepal Bar Association to remain confident in the public opinion as it is provided in the constitution that a two-thirds of the parliamentarians can amend the constitution according to the needs of the people.

Prime Minister Oli questioned the notion that the government intends to undermine democracy through constitutional changes. 

“The constitution will be amended with the approval of a two-thirds of parliamentarians. We have fought and strived for democracy. How can we imagine amending the constitution to strip us of it?” he questioned, according to a press note issued by the PM's personal secretariat,  

“Where did the issue of regression in the constitutional amendment come from? We do not accept reversing measures.” he added.  

He underscored that amendments would aim to enhance progress, good governance, development and resolve the unresolved issues.

After listening to the legal community, including Nepal Bar Association President Gopal Krishna Ghimire, Prime Minister Oli emphasized that the court should make decisions based on the principle of checks and balances among the state organs, while also considering the country’s economic capacity.

Giving an example, he noted that if the economic conditions do not support a salary increase, it would be practically problematic to implement a decision that mandates such an increase.

He stressed that, alongside restructuring and reforming the courts, it is crucial to also address and restructure the habits and behaviour of everyone involved.

Regarding the proposed impeachment timeline for constitutional officers, Oli suggested reducing it further.

Mentioning that the impeachment of the then Chief Justice Sushila Karki was unjustly carried out, he said 

He clarified that Lokman Singh Karki, the then Chief Commissioner of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority, was impeached on his own initiative due to Karki’ misconduct and violations of official conduct.

Regarding the demand to eliminate the parliamentary hearing system for appointing the justices, Prime Minister Oli requested reconsideration, highlighting that the system was necessary and constitutionally mandated.

Prime Minister Oli stated that the issue of whether the Chief Justice should be a member of the Constitutional Council, and whether the Chief Justice should lead hearings in cases challenging decisions of the Constitutional Council, could be discussed.

Prime Minister Oli also insisted that only cases conflicting with the constitution should be brought before the constitutional bench.

The meeting was attended by Attorney General Ramesh Badal, Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal Liladevi Gadtaula, former parliamentarian Ram Narayan Bidari, and other officials.