KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has submitted a written response to the Supreme Court (SC) defending his decision to form the interim government led by Sushila Karki and to dissolve the House of Representatives on the same day.
In his response to the writ petition filed against the Karki government and the parliamentary dissolution, President Paudel stated that the actions were necessary and constitutional due to “extraordinary circumstances.”
He noted that following the resignation of then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli amid the escalating Gen-Z movement, the country was facing an “uncomfortable and constitutional vacuum,” making his steps compelling.
President Paudel explained that the interim government was formed based on a written recommendation and consensus from then-Prime Minister Oli, aimed at promoting national unity and protecting the constitution. He cited the Gen-Z movement, consultations with political parties, and constitutional obligations as factors compelling him to act immediately.
The President emphasized that the Karki government was entrusted with holding elections to a new House of Representatives within six months, in line with constitutional provisions, to restore stability in the country.
He added that as the “guardian, protector, and promoter of national unity,” he was obliged to take appropriate action under extraordinary circumstances.
President Paudel also defended the appointment of former Supreme Court Justice Anil Kumar Sinha as Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, and Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation.
He said the appointments were made to promote national unity and protect the constitution, invoking the “principle of necessity” in extraordinary circumstances.
President Paudel concluded that the writ petition demanding the reinstatement of parliament should be dismissed, asserting that there was no constitutional alternative at the time and that his decisions were in line with the spirit of the constitution.
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