Author: space4knews

Sixteen complaints have been filed against the proposed Chief Justice, Dr. Manoj Sharma. The Parliamentary Hearing Committee had allotted 10 days to call for complaints against Sharma. These complaints are scheduled to be made public tomorrow, Tuesday. Kathmandu, 17 May. According to available information, the complaints against the nominee Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Sharma are set to be revealed tomorrow, Tuesday. On 10 May, the Parliamentary Hearing Committee meeting decided to provide a 10-day window for submitting complaints against Sharma.

Summary of the news has been prepared following editorial review. Labour Culture Party MPs protested in parliament with placards, reminding Prime Minister Shah of parliamentary decorum. The Draft Rules Committee of the House of Representatives has proposed removing the mandatory attendance of ministers, allowing parliamentary committees to convene without them. MPs expressed concerns that the absence of the Prime Minister in the question-and-answer sessions and policy discussions weakens parliamentary practice. Kathmandu, May 18 – On Monday, Labour Culture Party MPs appeared in the House of Representatives carrying placards. They protested against Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s (Balen) absence from parliament, reminding him of parliamentary decorum, albeit by somewhat breaching it themselves. In response, party chairman Hark Sampang explained, “Speaker sir, there may be curiosity about the placards. Whether parliament is sovereign or the government? Our effort is to hold the government accountable to the sovereign parliament.” MP Arun Rai reached the parliamentary rostrum with a placard on his chest reading, “Prime Minister must be accountable to parliament, cannot evade questions! Respect public opinion. Stop promulgating ordinances! Fulfill parliamentary responsibilities.”

There is debate over whether the style of protest with placards within parliament aligns with parliamentary decorum. During these discussions, activities of the ruling National Independent Party (RASWAPA) government also came under scrutiny. According to Communist Party MP Balawati Sharma and National Democratic Party MP Tahir Ali Bhat, three key issues have remained in parliamentary ‘notice’ for an extended period: first, the Prime Minister’s absence from government policy and program debates; second, a provision allowing parliamentary committees to convene without departmental ministers’ presence; and third, the indefinite status of direct question-and-answer sessions with the Prime Minister. On Monday, committee chairman Ganesh Prasad Parajuli presented a proposal to consider the Draft Rules Committee report of 2083 (2026 BS). In the ensuing theoretical debate, RASWAPA MP Bhat expressed, “What a paradox it is to draft rules so that the Prime Minister does not attend parliament and ministers are not required to attend parliamentary committees.”

Bhat urged that the tradition of ministerial attendance not be abandoned and cautioned against arrogance stemming from majority dominance, stating, “Let us not deviate from Rule 178(4) of the Rules; what was before should remain as is. If we impose this just because we have a two-thirds majority, it could lead to negative consequences.” Presently, ministers’ attendance is mandatory for parliamentary committee meetings. According to Rule 178, Subrule 4, ministers are required to be present during bill discussions and as needed for other agenda items. However, the proposed draft suggests allowing committees to convene without ministers’ mandatory attendance.

Rule 178 of the draft rules delineates the duties and powers of parliamentary subject committees, stipulating in Subrule 4 the ministers’ mandatory presence during bill discussions and discretionary presence otherwise. Breaking tradition, Communist Party MP Balawati Sharma noted that a direct question-and-answer session with the Prime Minister is still pending. She stated during Monday’s session, “Let the direct question-and-answer arrangement with the Prime Minister be implemented. We will have the opportunity to question the Prime Minister at the first session in the month of Jestha (mid-May to mid-June), and I wish to remind everyone of that.”

Rule 56 of the House Rules mandates that the Speaker allocate the first hour of any one meeting during the first week of each month for questions related to the Prime Minister or his area. This compulsory procedure stipulates that if the scheduled day is missed for any reason, the first hour of the next meeting must also be reserved. In a parliamentary democracy, the Prime Minister is expected to listen to the people’s concerns through parliament. The purpose of the question-and-answer session is to hold the Prime Minister accountable before parliament. However, such sessions are not included in the parliamentary calendar up to June 28. According to MP Sharma, the absence of these sessions contradicts Article 76(10) of the constitution, which states: “The Prime Minister and ministers shall be collectively accountable to the Federal Parliament, and ministers individually accountable to their ministries and parliament.”

According to Nepali Congress MP Arjun Narsingh KC, Prime Minister Shah’s absence from the policy debate breaks an established tradition. KC said, “In parliamentary democracies like Japan, the UK, Australia, and India, the Prime Minister personally presents the government’s annual policy and program in parliament, participates in discussions, and answers questions. Nepal had a similar custom.” But this time, the Prime Minister neither attended the debate nor responded. “Since 1960, neither in the 18-month parliament of 1960 nor after 1990 has such an absence occurred. I challenge anyone to prove otherwise,” KC declared on April 14, challenging the government and RASWAPA.

Opposition voices have intensified as the government seems to sideline parliamentary functions. Critics fear that a single-party government with a two-thirds majority is trying to weaken parliament. “Has parliament started being disregarded?” asked Labour Culture Party MP Arun Rai during Monday’s session. “Why didn’t the Prime Minister attend the policy debate? Why can ministers avoid attendance even in the mini-parliament? Have ministers abandoned accountability to parliament?” He and his party believe that by strictly following parliamentary procedure, government accountability can be enforced. “The issues we raise represent the people’s concerns, not personal matters. Ministers must be mandatorily present in both parliament and mini-parliament to listen to the people’s voice,” he said.

Most discussions in parliamentary committees relate to government affairs, including decisions of ministries, budget expenditures, corruption, policy implementation, and administrative weaknesses. Removing the mandatory presence of ministers risks undermining parliamentary oversight. Parliament risks becoming a mere bystander. In parliamentary democracy, the core objective is to keep rulers within established rules. Parliament fulfills this role, serving as a vital center of government oversight and strengthening democracy. Former Federal Parliament Secretariat Secretary-General Surya Kiran Gurung stated, “Government accountability to parliament is the foundation of parliamentary democracy. Only through the tradition of ministers’ attendance and direct responses can parliament be effective.” However, recent developments, such as the uncertainty over regular question sessions with the Prime Minister, his absence from policy debates, and the attempt to remove mandatory ministerial attendance, have raised concerns. “This undermines parliamentary practice and seeks to limit parliament’s scope,” Gurung said, “If MPs don’t hold the government accountable themselves, good parliamentary practice cannot exist.”

All committee members, including the Prime Minister, are listed so that members can meet with them if needed. However, current plans appear to shield ministers even from questioning. If parliament’s role is restricted to merely endorsing government decisions, parliamentary democracy will falter. The executive branch will become excessively powerful, the opposition weakened, and parliament’s role questioned, risking instability in society. Therefore, former Secretary-General Gurung suggests mandatory ministerial attendance in every committee discussion, not just bill discussions. “Every discussion pertains to some ministry or other. If ministers do not attend, parliamentary committees will be devalued,” he emphasized.

Gurung highlights two points MPs should understand: first, parliamentary committees are not solely RASWAPA’s committees; second, RASWAPA will not always have a two-thirds majority. If ministers are excused from committees based on questions raised, the committees will lose their purpose. He warns that this trend is becoming a threat. If RASWAPA conflates government and parliament, promoting only government praise in society, it will have long-term negative consequences. “RASWAPA seeks to overstep parliamentary jurisdiction, but it will not always hold a majority,” Gurung insisted, urging MPs to remain vigilant. “Parliament should not curtail its authority in defending the government,” he said. “Parliament must oversee government affairs; neglecting this will harm the parliament itself.”

The Nepal Bar Association has called for the removal of statements made by Rastriya Swatantra Socialist Party (RASWA) MPs Samiksha Baskota and Yanmani Nyaupane from the official parliamentary records. In an emergency meeting, the Bar Association urged the Speaker to provide clear directives to remove such statements and to prevent similar incidents from recurring. MP Baskota had challenged Supreme Court justices to “bare their garments and engage in politics” while also requesting them not to intervene in judicial matters. (Kathmandu, 4th Jestha)

During the emergency meeting held on Monday afternoon, the Bar Association decided to request the removal of comments made by MPs Baskota and Nyaupane, as announced by General Secretary Kedar Prasad Koirala at a press conference. Despite provisions under Article 105 of the Constitution prohibiting parliamentary discussions on cases pending before the courts, the issue was openly debated in Parliament today, which the statement described as deeply regrettable.

The statement read, “The Nepal Bar Association remains clear in its stance against impulsive and arrogant indecent expressions and regrets their occurrence. We urge the honorable Speaker to remove such expressions from the parliamentary records and take measures to prevent their recurrence.” On Monday, during the House of Representatives session, MPs Baskota and Nyaupane had criticized issues related to the judiciary.

Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla had on Monday ordered the registration of a writ petition against the decision made by the Constitutional Council. In response to this order, MPs Baskota and Nyaupane raised objections in Parliament. According to Article 105 of the Constitution, debates on cases under investigation are prohibited. It states, “No matter that negatively affects the administration of justice in any court of Nepal regarding cases under consideration, nor judicial work performed by judges in the course of duty, shall be discussed in any House of the Federal Parliament.” However, MP Baskota violated this provision by challenging Supreme Court justices to engage openly in politics. She emphasized that the primary responsibility of the Supreme Court justices is the administration of justice and requested that they refrain from intervening in other matters.

The play ‘Lucifer Rising’ highlights the political turmoil in Kathmandu on 24 Bhadra and reflects the psychological state of individuals from a single room. It raises thought-provoking questions: When does a person become powerful? Is power merely an illusion or a reality? When do people seek refuge? What happens to individuals amid chaos? The play attempts to bring answers to these questions on stage.

The narrative immerses the audience in the atmosphere of 24 Bhadra, a day when Kathmandu resembled a battleground. How were the protestors feeling? Which side did the police support? What was running through the mind of a prisoner recently released from jail? These perspectives are all portrayed through the interactions within a single room. One of the central characters is Alisa, a young woman from the Sukumbasi settlement who suffers from the pain of being unable to obtain citizenship.

The play features seven characters representing the hundreds of individuals involved in the events of 24 Bhadra. However, the play presents a dual narrative that has sparked division among viewers. It portrays religion either as faith or blind belief, posing significant and serious questions to the audience.

The title carries political connotations, as the term ‘Lucifer’ has recently gained political usage. The play effectively reveals the ‘Lucifer’ tendencies within human beings. Although the director acknowledges room for improvement, the originality and the capacity to tell a compelling story with a limited number of characters stand out as the play’s greatest strengths.

Police in Siraha Municipality-14 have arrested two individuals in possession of brown heroin. The apprehended suspects are Saroj Bik from Golbazar Municipality-3 and Raju Lama. Authorities seized 437 milligrams and 6 grams 210 milligrams of heroin packaged in plastic from their motorcycle.

A police team from Khirauna Police Post intercepted a motorcycle bearing license plate JA 4 PA 1388, traveling from Madar to Siraha, on suspicion. Upon inspection, brown heroin was found in their possession. Police reported that 437 milligrams including plastic packaging and 200 milligrams without plastic were recovered from the driver, Saroj Bik.

Similarly, 6 grams 210 milligrams with plastic and 5 grams 100 milligrams without plastic of the illicit substance were found with the passenger, Raju Lama. Ramesh Bahadur Pal, spokesperson and DSP of the District Police Office Siraha, stated that both suspects have been handed over to the District Police Office, Siraha for further investigation. The motorcycle used in the incident is currently held under the control of Khirauna Police Post.

Nepal defeated Scotland on May 18 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. Leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane set a new record as the fastest bowler to take 150 wickets in ODIs, achieving this milestone in just 73 matches. With this victory, Nepal has risen from seventh to fifth place in the standings, accumulating 22 points from 27 games, while Scotland remains at the top.

In Monday’s ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 match, Nepal overcame the top-ranked Scotland team. Both Nepal’s bowling and batting units performed excellently at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground. This win also served as redemption for Nepal, who had narrowly lost to Scotland by 2 runs just last Tuesday via the DLS method.

Despite struggling form, captain Rohit Paudel and Lalit Rajbanshi, who had been wicketless recently, played crucial roles in securing the win. Lalit took 4 wickets for 32 runs in 8 overs, helping to restrict Scotland to 194 runs. Notably, Lalit had only taken 2 wickets in his previous 9 ODI matches. Sandeep Lamichhane contributed 3 wickets, keeping Scotland under pressure. Scotland lost 3 wickets for 126 runs, then added 68 runs for the loss of four more wickets. Bowlers Sombul Kamii, Nandan Yadav, and Dipendra Singh Airee each took one wicket.

Nepal’s batting also stood out. Openers Kushal Bhurtel and Asif Sheikh forged a strong partnership, adding 58 runs in 6.4 overs for the first wicket. Kushal scored 28 runs off 27 balls, while Asif made 29 runs from 17 balls before being dismissed. Captain Rohit Paudel and Ishan Pande then built a match-winning partnership for the third wicket, reaching a century stand. Rohit remained unbeaten on 74 runs off 98 balls, while Ishan scored 55 runs from 61 balls before getting out. Vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee was dismissed cheaply for 2 runs, but Arif Sheikh supported Rohit with 8 runs off 23 balls.

Before this crucial victory against top-ranked Scotland, Nepal was positioned seventh in the table. The win elevated them two places to fifth with 22 points from 27 matches. Namibia sits sixth with 22 points from 28 games, Canada seventh with 21 points from 24 matches, and UAE at the bottom with 14 points from 24 games. Despite the loss, Scotland remains first with 38 points from 31 games, followed by the USA in second with 36 points from 26 matches. Oman is third with 31 points from 28 games, and the Netherlands fourth with 28 points after 24 matches.

Today, leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane took 2 wickets against Scotland, achieving the record for the fastest bowler to reach 150 wickets in ODI cricket. He reached this mark in 73 matches, surpassing Australia’s Mitchell Starc, who previously held the record after 77 matches. Sandeep also holds the record for the fastest to 100 ODI wickets, achieving that in just 42 games.

Sandeep credited this achievement to the support of his entire team, saying, “When I first stepped onto the TU International Cricket Ground, I had a dream to do well for my country. It’s been a great journey, and reaching this record shows that when you progress with a good heart and right attitude, everything aligns. Many people have helped me along the way, and I want to thank them all.”

In recent matches of the League 2 series, Sandeep has been in outstanding form, taking 16 wickets in the last 7 games alone. He currently ranks third among the top wicket-takers in the League 2, with 39 wickets from 21 matches. Oman’s Shakil Ahmed leads with 49 wickets in 22 matches, followed by Namibia’s Bernard Scholtz with 45 wickets from 26 games.

In Nisellung Park, located in Miklajung Rural Municipality-3 of Morang, 19 members of the Raute community have been accommodated in huts. Yaktung Village has set an entry fee of NPR 200 per person to see the Raute community, which is reportedly used for management expenses. This initiative has sparked criticism on social media over concerns of privacy violations and ethical treatment. (May 18, Biratnagar)

Visitors arriving at the huts constructed for the Raute in Miklajung have also raised questions about personal privacy. The Raute, who traditionally lead a nomadic lifestyle in the forests of Karnali Province, have previously been seen as far as Chitwan. The Raute community was brought to the eastern region by Yaktung Village in collaboration with SOSEC Nepal, an organization working in the Raute areas. The group comprises eight women and eleven men, who have been provided with huts as their living quarters.

To view the Raute community relocated to the eastern region, Yaktung Village has fixed an admission fee of NPR 200 per visitor. Previously, the entry fee for the site was NPR 100, but after bringing the Raute community, it was increased by NPR 100, according to Ashok Chemjong, the administrator of Yaktung Village. He explained that the fee is utilized to cover the management, transportation, and accommodation costs of the Raute people.

The arrival of the Raute has stimulated economic activity in the hilly region of Miklajung. According to organizers, around 4,000 to 5,000 people visit the exhibition daily. Hotels and shops in the Ramite and Dhobeni areas of Miklajung reportedly conduct business worth millions of rupees each day. Additionally, the Raute are generating extra income by selling wooden handicrafts they make themselves.

UML Chairman KP Oli is concentrating the party’s activities around Balkot, attempting to prevent party restructuring and generational change. After Oli suspended former President Bidya Bhandari’s membership in UML, pressure for leadership change within the party has weakened. The alliance between Oli and Bhandari has diminished the prospects for ideological and organizational transformation within UML. Regardless of where the party office shifts, the real center of power still resides at KP Oli’s residence.

Previously held in Chyasel, the event was shifted to Balkhu to mark Madan Ashrit Memorial Day. The party leadership sought to bring meaningful change through this move, making it a significant development. The party organized the memorial gathering with former President Bidya Bhandari, Madan Bhandari’s wife, as the chief guest, with Chairman Oli also in attendance. After the April 2015 earthquake damaged the building in Balkhu, UML’s central office moved across Dhumbarahi, Babarmahal, and Chyasel. However, Oli continues to centralize party activities in Balkot.

Balkot, a village now closely associated with Oli’s personal image, has become more than just the chairman’s formal position; it has evolved into a cultural and political power hub. The decision to propose Vice Chairman Bidya Bhandari for the presidency was also initiated by Oli. Previously, Oli actively worked to strengthen Bidya, and in turn, Bidya has helped solidify Oli’s position. This alliance between them leaves the future impact on the party uncertain.

In suspending Bhandari’s membership, Oli made it clear that no individual is above the party constitution and that decisions are based on the party’s bylaws. This signals that UML does not currently require restructuring. Oli’s decision has reduced the likelihood of leadership restructuring and transformation within the party. It leaves the effect of the Oli-Bhandari alliance on UML’s future direction unclear.

News update with editorial review. Sixteen complaints have been filed against the proposed Chief Justice, Dr. Manoj Sharma. The Parliamentary Hearing Committee is preparing to open these complaints and distribute them to the members of parliament. After discussions with the complainants, the hearing for the proposed Chief Justice will take place. Kathmandu, 18 May. The parliamentary hearing for the proposed Chief Justice is scheduled for tomorrow. Dr. Manoj Sharma, who has been recommended for the position of Chief Justice, faces sixteen registered complaints. The Parliamentary Hearing Committee, during its meeting on 10 May, had decided to call for complaints against Sharma within ten days. Sixteen complaints were received within the stipulated timeframe. To review the complaints, the Parliamentary Hearing Committee is convening a meeting at 8 a.m. According to the committee chairperson, Bodhnarayan Shrestha, the complaints will be opened and distributed to MPs. “After opening and distributing the complaints to the MPs, discussions with the complainants will begin at 10 a.m.,” Chairperson Shrestha said. “Subsequently, the committee will continue its proceedings to conduct the hearing of the proposed Chief Justice.”

The judiciary was tense throughout Monday following an incident where senior officials in the judicial administration left their offices and walked out after a written order from the acting Chief Justice.