SC dismisses petition on National ID controversy

Kathmandu, January 19 — The Supreme Court has ruled to dismiss the petition regarding the national identity card issue.

A bench consisting of Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, Justice Abdul Aziz Musalman, and Justice Nripadhwaj Niraula made the decision.

While dismissing the petition, the Supreme Court issued some directive orders. With the dismissal of the petition, the government is now free to move forward with the implementation of the national identity card system.

The petition was filed after the government made national identity cards mandatory for accessing social security benefits, obtaining mobile SIM cards, and availing of public services.

Previously, the Cabinet meeting on June 7, 2024, had decided to make the national identity card compulsory for social security benefits renewal in the first phase in 28 districts starting from new fiscal year.

The second phase planned to extend this requirement to 38 districts starting from January 14, 2025, with the full implementation across all 77 districts by July 16, 2025.

Supreme Court spokesperson Achyut Kuinkel mentioned that while the petition was dismissed, directive orders were issued, and the full text of the judgment would be made available the following day.