NC row: SC refuses interim order in case against Gagan Thapa

KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court (SC) has refused to grant an interim order on a writ petition challenging the Election Commission’s decision to recognize Gagan Thapa as President of the Nepali Congress (NC).

A bench headed by Justice Sunil Kumar Pokharel rejected the request for an interim order, clearing the way for Thapa to function fully as the party’s President.

The special general convention of the Nepali Congress had formed a new Central Working Committee led by Thapa, which was subsequently recognized by the Election Commission.

In response, the then acting President of the Nepali Congress, Purna Bahadur Khadka, and party President Sher Bahadur Deuba filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court. The petition names the Election Commission, Thapa, and Vice President Bishwo Prakash Sharma as respondents.

The petition seeks to annul the Election Commission’s decision and requested an interim order to halt the registration process for candidates for the House of Representatives. The Supreme Court has called both parties for discussions to determine whether an interim order should be granted.