Nepal President Paudel returns constitutional council related ordinance for reconsideration

Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel on Sunday returned for reconsideration the constitutional council-related ordinance, which, if endorsed, paves the way for the Government to appoint heads of constitutional bodies.

The Constitutional Council (relating to the functions, duties, powers and procedures of the council) First Amendment Ordinance 2026 was recommended by the Balendra Shah-led Government through a cabinet decision on April 27.

According to a statement issued by the president’s office, Paudel decided to send the ordinance back after determining that its contents required further review and reconsideration by the Government.

The ordinance had sparked criticism from Opposition parties.

If endorsed by the president, it paves the way for the Government to make appointments at key constitutional positions, such as the Chief Justice, that have remained vacant.

The Nepali Congress has said that its attention was drawn to the Government’s move to introduce the ordinance by suspending the Parliament session.

Last week, the Cabinet recommended that the President summon a session of the federal parliament scheduled for April 30. However, later, the Government recommended the postponement of the session.