Nepal's top court begins hearing on dissolution of parliament amid protest (updated)
06/01/2021 09:34
(Adds protests, start of hearing)
By Gopal Sharma
KATHMANDU, Jan 6 (Reuters) - Nepal's top court began
hearings on Wednesday on petitions challenging Prime Minister
K.P. Sharma Oli's sudden decision to dissolve parliament, as
protesters against his move marched nearby.
Oli, 68, has cited internal squabbling within his ruling
Communist party and lack of political unity as reasons behind
his Dec. 20 decision, which has triggered public outrage and has
been labelled unconstitutional.
In their plea before the Supreme Court, politicians,
activists and lawyers are questioning whether it is the
legitimate right of the leader to dissolve the parliament and
order fresh elections, 18 months before schedule.
His colleagues and opposition political parties have blamed
Oli for derailing a stable government amid a pandemic that has
triggered an economic downturn.
Seven ministers have quit Oli's government to oppose his
move and protesters last month burnt effigies of him.
On Wednesday, dozens of peaceful protesters carrying
lanterns marched near the parliament building. Displaying
objects such as lanterns and torches is common in Nepal as a
mark of protest.
"Cancel the unconstitutional coup," protesters shouted
referring to Oli's move.
The five-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court,
including the chief justice, is hearing at least 13 petitions
questioning the rights of the prime minister, court official
Bhadrakali Pokharel said.
Dinesh Tripathi, one of the petitioners, said the
constitution laid down the limits of the powers of the prime
minister.
"It does not give Oli the prerogative to cause an untimely
death to parliament at his will," he said.
The court could take several days to give its verdict, legal
experts say.
"We are fully prepared to face the challenge in the court,"
said Rajan Bhattarai, an aide to Oli.
(Editing by Rupam Jain and Sanjeev Miglani; Editing by Kim
Coghill)
((gopal.sharma@thomsonreuters.com; + 977 1 4372152; Reuters
Messaging: gopal.sharma.reuters.com@reuters.net))