Apex Court legitimizes special general convention of Nepali Congress

Nepal, Kathmandu, April 18: The Supreme Court (SC) has given legitimacy to the Gagan Kumar Thapa-led Nepali Congress (NC). A divisional bench comprising Justice duo, Sharanga Subedi and Nripadhwaj Niraula, recognized the special general convention of the NC and validated the party leadership emerged through the process.

Challenging the Election Commission’s decision to recognize the Thapa leadership elected through the special general convention, NC’s former President and ex-Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and then acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka knocked the apex court’s doors. With the Supreme Court’s verdict Thursday, the writ petition filed by Deuba and Khadka has been dismissed.

The petitioners in the writ had claimed that the special general convention was illegal arguing it was contrary to the party statute and prevailing laws. The apex court verdict upheld the Election Commission’s decision validating the special general convention held on 27 and 28 Poush.

Although schedule for the party’s 15th regular general convention was announced, the SC determined that it could not take place on time. The order mentions that the demand for a special general convention under Article 17(2) of the NC statute in exceptional circumstances cannot be dismissed.

Supreme Court spokesperson Arjun Koirala had informed that there was a verdict regarding the dispute over the authority of the Nepali Congress. Regular hearings were held at the Supreme Court on Thursday and Friday (today).

NC Vice President Bishw Prakash Sharma also participated in the hearing on Thursday. Verdict recognizes everyone’s dignity and contribution Meanwhile, NC General Secretary duo, Gururaj Ghimire and Pradip Paudel welcomed the apex court’s decision regarding the official status of the Nepali Congress is fair.

Commenting on the verdict, NC General Secretary Gururaj Ghimire said it was an outcome of the relentless struggle by NC members for law and order in the country to this day. “This decision recognizes everyone’s dignity and contribution. It is neither a loss nor a victory for anyone”.

Similarly, another General Secretary, Pradip Paudel, stated that the Supreme Court’s verdict on the party’s official status will be accepted. He said, “This decision should not be a matter of loss or victory for anyone”. —