Yubaraj Safal plans to file petition to scrap Rastriya Swatantra Party

KATHMANDU, March 8: Yubaraj Safal, who previously filed a petition against former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, is now preparing to file another petition to scrap the Rastriya Swatantra Party. The Supreme Court had previously declared Lamichhane's citizenship illegal and scrapped his parliamentary post based on Safal's petition.

In a recent verdict, the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court clarified that only Nepali citizens are eligible to form political parties and contest elections. Article 84 of the Constitution of Nepal states that every citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote in one election constituency as provided for by federal law. Additionally, Article 87 states that only Nepali citizens can become members of the Federal Parliament.

The court also cited Article 291 in Lamichhane's citizenship and passport disputes, stating that Nepali citizens holding foreign permanent residence permits are not eligible for election, nomination, or appointment to any office under the Constitution. However, a person who has renounced their foreign permanent residence permit may be eligible after a three-month period.

Safal plans to file a petition to scrap the Rastriya Swatantra Party based on the provisions outlined in the Constitution of Nepal. The party's eligibility to participate in elections and form a political party will be questioned in the court. This move highlights the importance of upholding the Constitution of Nepal and ensuring that only eligible parties and individuals can participate in the country's political affairs.

Overall, the upcoming petition filed by Yubaraj Safal emphasizes the need for strict adherence to the Constitution of Nepal in matters of political participation and election eligibility.