Supreme Court halts Sudurpaschim Province Assembly's decision to expel Indira Giri

KATHMANDU: In a significant development, the Supreme Court has intervened in the case of Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP) leader Indira Giri, issuing an order to the Speaker of Sudurpaschim Province Assembly to halt the implementation of its decision to expel her from her position as a member of the Province Assembly.

Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, presiding over a single bench, issued an interim order on Sunday, effectively staying the Province Assembly secretariat's notice that relieved Giri of her post.

The court's decision came in response to Giri's petition, citing that she was not afforded the opportunity for a fair hearing before the notice of her dismissal was issued.

The order highlighted procedural flaws in the process leading to Giri's dismissal, as she was not given the chance to present her side before the decision was made.

The Province Assembly secretariat had acted upon the direction of Speaker Bhim Bahadur Bhandari, who, in turn, responded to a letter from NUP Chair Ranjita Shrestha requesting Giri's recall from her position. Giri holds a representative position in the proportional category.

Until the resolution of the writ petition, the Supreme Court has mandated that no further action be taken against Giri.

This judicial intervention marks a pivotal moment in ensuring due process and fairness in the governance and decision-making processes within Sudurpaschim Province Assembly.