Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Nepali Congress Legitimacy Dispute

Kathmandu. The Supreme Court has been hearing arguments since Thursday regarding the writ petition concerning the legitimacy of the Nepali Congress. Today, the proceedings are focused on the arguments from the opposition side.

The writ petition filed by former President Sher Bahadur Deuba and former Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka names Gagan Thapa, who was elected president during the special general convention held last Poush, and Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma as defendants. 

Nepali Congress Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Pushpa Bhusal have arrived at the Supreme Court to present arguments against the petition filed against them.  The court is currently in a 'tea break.' Following the break, the court has indicated that Sharma and Bhusal will present their arguments. 

The hearing on the writ petition, which was filed on Magh 4, began on Thursday. Yesterday, lawyers representing the petitioners and government attorneys presented their arguments. Deuba and Khadka had named the committee formed through the special general convention and the Election Commission as defendants. Yesterday, government attorneys argued on behalf of the Commission. Since the Election Commission had granted legitimacy to the special general convention, it was also named as a defendant in the writ petition. 

Once the defense lawyers conclude their arguments, the bench has allocated one hour for rebuttal by the petitioners, former President Sher Bahadur Deuba and former Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka.