Supreme Court issues stay order on National ID card implementation

Kathmandu, August 25 — The Supreme Court has issued an order halting the use of national identity cards for accessing social security and public services.

Justices Manoj Kumar Sharma and Til Prasad Shrestha delivered the ruling on Friday, deciding that the implementation of the national identity card should be paused.

The Court has ruled that the national identity card cannot be made mandatory for receiving public services, including social security allowances, until further discussions are held. This is a temporary stay on the implementation of the government's decision.

Advocate Ram Bahadur Rawal and others had filed a writ petition at the Supreme Court arguing that the government’s delay in issuing national identity cards would prevent many senior citizens from receiving social security benefits if the cards were made mandatory.

The controversy arose after the government announced that national identity cards would be required for receiving social security allowances, mobile SIM cards, and all public services.

Previously, on June 6, the Council of Ministers decided that the national identity card would be mandatory for renewing social security allowances in 28 districts starting July 16. This requirement was expanded to 38 more districts from January 14, 2025, and was set to apply nationwide by July 16, 2025.

What happens next?

Under Secretary Mukesh Kesari of the Department of National Identity and Civil Registration (DoNIDCR) stated that the court’s order has not yet been received. The department will decide its course of action once the order is officially received. “If the Supreme Court’s ban is comprehensive, the department will comply fully. If the ban is temporary, the department will adjust its procedures accordingly,” he added.

The Supreme Court has requested a written response within 15 days and invited discussions with opposition parties. During this period, the government may also apply for interim relief if necessary. If the court’s interim order is upheld during this discussion, it will be enforced until the case is resolved. If the interim order is extended until the final decision, the implementation of the national identity card will be restricted specified by the court.