KATHMANDU: A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court challenging the appointment of Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel as the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), alleging that his selection violates the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2002, and was driven by political interests.
Advocates Anantaraj Luintel, Pratibha Upreti, and Bishal Thapa filed the petition claiming Dr. Poudel’s appointment is unlawful, arguing he lacks the required qualifications in monetary, banking, and financial sectors as outlined in Section 15 of the Act.
Instead, Dr. Poudel holds a degree in rural development economics, which they say does not meet the eligibility criteria for the position.
The petition also highlights that the recommendation committee was manipulated, with a member resigning under pressure to facilitate Dr. Poudel’s appointment without open competition.
The petitioners further allege a conflict of interest, stating that Dr. Poudel, considered close to a political party, was appointed while still serving as a member of the very committee that recommended him—likening the process to a match-fixing scenario.
They argue that his appointment violates Sections 21 and 32 of the NRB Act and Section 18 of the Good Governance Act, 2008.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had dismissed a previous writ on procedural grounds, stating it lacked clear public interest and was based solely on media reports. Following this dismissal, the Council of Ministers swiftly appointed Dr. Poudel, who was sworn in the next morning.
Previously, the court had issued an interim order halting newly proposed criteria for NRB governor appointments.
Another petition had been filed against NRB Executive Director Gunakar Bhatta, a contender for the governor post, but it neither resulted in his resignation nor his appointment.
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