KATHMANDU: Opposition lawmakers have raised objections over the government’s decision to introduce an ordinance, accusing it of bypassing Parliament and undermining democratic norms.
Speaking at a meeting of the House of Representatives’ Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee held at Singha Durbar on Monday, lawmakers said bringing an ordinance despite having a near two-thirds majority was against democratic principles.
Nepali Congress lawmaker Madan Krishna Shrestha urged the government to avoid actions that could trigger controversy, noting that ordinances have historically led to disputes. He stressed that rushing ordinances without parliamentary discussion goes against democratic practice.
Shrestha added that bills should be advanced through proper deliberation in parliamentary committees and the full House so that all stakeholders can take ownership of the process.
Similarly, CPN-UML lawmaker Suhang Nembang said the government had shown weaknesses both in introducing the ordinance and in handling issues related to landless citizens. He questioned why the government, despite holding a clear majority, had failed to amend or repeal outdated laws through Parliament.
Nembang warned that the practice of bypassing Parliament weakens democratic values, parliamentary norms, and constitutional integrity.
He added that while there is no disagreement on the need to resolve the issues facing landless communities, solutions must be constitutional, lawful, humane, and include proper alternatives and rehabilitation measures. He emphasized that the government must act sensitively when addressing citizens’ rights.
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