Supreme Court issues show-cause notice to interim government
The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a show cause notice in a writ petition filed by the CPN-UML challenging the dissolution of the House of Representatives in September. The Kathmandu Post
What the court ordered
The Constitutional Bench headed by Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut ordered the defendants, including the Office of the President, to submit a written response within a week and ordered the court administration to present the petition together with other similar petitions. The Kathmandu Post
PM Sushila Karki’s submission to the court
In a submission before the Supreme Court, Prime Minister Sushila Karki said the failure of Parliament to appoint an accountable government over the past decade created a situation of “public insecurity,” and she blamed a collective failure of Parliament and government for the Gen Z protests. The Indian Express
The UML’s petition asks the court to declare the appointment of Sushila Karki as prime minister unconstitutional and to invalidate the President’s September 12 decision and subsequent actions. The Kathmandu Post
Probe commission prepares to summon former leaders
The three-member commission investigating the deaths and damage during the September Gen Z protests said it is preparing to summon former prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak for questioning regarding the suppression of the demonstrations. The Kathmandu Post
The commission has recorded statements of police officers and called more than 100 people; it said it may seek more time if unable to complete its work by the deadline. The Kathmandu Post
New political formation: Ujyalo Nepal
Kulman Ghising formally unveiled the Ujyalo Nepal party; Ghising attended the launch as chief guest while a former energy secretary will head the party during his ministerial tenure in the non-partisan government. The Kathmandu Post
The party’s manifesto calls for electoral reforms, proportional inclusive representation, and measures to make federalism practical and result-oriented. The Kathmandu Post
International and economic developments
The UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Nicolas Levrat, is conducting a visit to Nepal to examine legislation, policies and practices affecting ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities; he will travel across the country and hold a press conference at UN House in Lalitpur. OHCHR
Nepal and India are set to hold a meeting in New Delhi on December 8 to discuss the potential supply of aviation fuel through the Motihari–Amlekhgunj cross-border petroleum pipeline. The Hindu
Health update: dengue cases
Health authorities report a significant decline in dengue cases this year compared with recent years, though the virus remains widespread and has been reported in 76 out of 77 districts. Asia News Network
Festivals and public holiday
The federal government declared a nationwide public holiday today for the observance of Udhauli, Yomari Punhi and Jyapu Day. Peoples’ Review
Share Your Thoughts
- What impact do you think the Supreme Court’s show-cause notice will have on the interim government and the March election process?
- Do you believe the probe commission’s planned summons of former leaders can address public calls for accountability?
- How might Kulman Ghising’s Ujyalo Nepal change the political landscape ahead of national polls?
- What measures should the government and communities prioritise to keep dengue under control next season?
- How important is the UN expert’s visit for Nepal’s minority rights agenda, and what outcomes should civil society expect?