KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has submitted a written response to the Supreme Court regarding the reinstatement of the House of Representatives, alleging that the appointment of Prime Minister Sushila Karki and the dissolution of parliament were unconstitutional.
In his response, Oli claimed that the unrest and arson under the banner of the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9 benefited the current Prime Minister and cabinet members, making them responsible for creating the situation. He argued that Karki and her ministers seized state power through both visible and invisible means, violating constitutional procedures.
Oli emphasized that the appointment of Karki as Prime Minister immediately following her oath of office, without the formation or consent of the Council of Ministers, contravened Articles 75, 66, and 76 of the Constitution. He maintained that only a member of the House of Representatives capable of commanding a majority should be appointed Prime Minister and that the Council of Ministers must exercise executive authority collectively.
Highlighting the unconstitutional nature of the process, Oli demanded that the dissolution of the House of Representatives be annulled and that parliament be reinstated to restore constitutional governance. He also pointed out that the appointment of Karki, a former Chief Justice, violated Article 1329(20) of the Constitution, which bars former Supreme Court judges from holding government office.
“The appointment of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as Prime Minister and the subsequent dissolution of the House of Representatives were in direct violation of constitutional provisions. These actions must be annulled to restore the parliamentary process,” Oli stated in the written submission.
The Supreme Court had sought Oli’s response in a writ petition filed by Yubaraj Safal and Sher Bahadur Rokaya challenging the constitutionality of Karki’s appointment and the dissolution of parliament.
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