SURKHET: A writ has been filed at the High Court Surkhet, citing that the Karnali Province Council of Ministers was not inclusive.

Advocate Sher Bahadur Khatri and rights advocate Tika Bista registered a writ at the High Court Tuesday arguing that the provincal Cabinet was formed in contravention of the inclusive principle provided by Article 168 (9) of the Constitution of Nepal.

Chief Minister Jeevan Bahadur Shahi on Sunday appointed new ministers and expanded the Council of Ministers in accordance with Article 168 (9) and Article 170 (1) of the constitution. The eight-member Karnali Province Council of Ministers does not have the participation of women and Dalit community. The ruling coalition parties have seven female members in the Province Assembly.

The writ names the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers as the defendant.

Writ petitioners have sought a stay order along with certiorari and mandamus orders to get the recent cabinet expansion annulled and provision of reconstituting the cabinet with the participation of women and Dalits.

The writ has also sought an interim order not to allow the newly-appointed ministers to carry out their duties in the ministry concerned until the final decision on the writ is made.