Constitutional Council to meet today to advance CJ appointment

KATHMANDU: A meeting of the Constitutional Council is taking place today to move forward the process of appointing a new Chief Justice.

The Council Secretariat called the meeting following instructions from Prime Minister Balen Shah, who also chairs the body.

The development comes after President Ram Chandra Paudel promulgated an ordinance related to the Constitutional Council on Tuesday. The President had earlier returned the ordinance for reconsideration on Sunday, but it was re-submitted by the government without changes on Monday and subsequently issued.

The ordinance, which relates to the functions, duties, powers, and procedures of the Constitutional Council, was recommended by the government for a second time, prompting the immediate call for a meeting after its promulgation.

Previously, President Paudel had returned the same ordinance recommended last week, asking for reconsideration. However, the government sent it back without amendments, leading to its eventual issuance.

With the ordinance now in effect, the quorum for the six-member Constitutional Council has been set at four members. This allows decisions to be made by a majority of three members, potentially enabling the Prime Minister to move decisions forward within the council.