Author: space4knews

Bishwprakash Sharma, the Deputy Chairman of the Nepali Congress, has arrived in Gundu, Bhaktapur to meet with UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli to discuss the change of the Chief Minister of Karnali Province. Sharma, accompanied by Deputy General Secretary Uday Shamser Rana, visited Oli on Tuesday evening for talks. (29 Baisakh, Kathmandu)

The meeting between Bishwprakash Sharma and KP Sharma Oli in Gundu, Bhaktapur is aimed at discussing the change in the Chief Minister of Karnali Province. The leaders have indicated that the talks will also focus on other provincial issues and leadership changes.

April 11, Kathmandu — Four days after the Constitutional Council broke tradition by recommending Dr. Manoj Sharma, the fourth senior-most judge, as the Chief Justice, the constitutional bench convened on Monday. The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla, included the next two senior judges, Kumar Regmi and Hari Phuyal. Since his recommendation as Chief Justice, Dr. Manoj Sharma has not participated in the bench proceedings and was absent at this session. During the hearing, judges Nahakul Subedi and Til Prasad Shrestha were on leave, while Binod Sharma and Sharanga Subedi were present on the constitutional bench.

The constitutional bench encountered disagreements among judges over two pending petitions. In the first petition, an interim order was issued restraining the removal of trade unions from the civil service. Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan, along with judges Kumar Regmi and Hari Phuyal, issued an order suspending the enforcement of the ordinance that sought to abolish trade unions in the civil service for the time being. However, judges Sharanga Subedi and Binod Sharma dissented, arguing that the interim order was unnecessary.

Similarly, differences surfaced in the second matter concerning legislation passed by the Sudurpashchim Provincial Assembly, which is alleged to conflict with federal law. Three judges issued a short-term interim order, but judges Binod Sharma and Sharanga Subedi expressed divergent views regarding whether the dispute should have been brought before the constitutional bench and criticized the issuance of the interim order without adequate discussion.

According to a Supreme Court judge, recent events have weakened mutual understanding among judges, increasing the likelihood of factionalism. The judge stated, “Since the constitutional bench recommended Dr. Manoj Sharma’s name last Wednesday, judges in the Supreme Court have divided into two groups, and the effects of this division are beginning to manifest in various ways. We were vigilant to ensure that these developments would not impact the judiciary, but given the current trends, it appears difficult to prevent.”

The Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives convened its first meeting on Wednesday, attended by 24 members of parliament. The session lasted approximately an hour and fifteen minutes; however, only 11 MPs remained present at the conclusion. MPs emphasized the necessity of maintaining attendance and fully engaging in discussions to ensure effective meetings. Kathmandu, 12 May. In recent years, the word “hata” has frequently been heard in the federal parliament. This term refers to the tendency of MPs to mark attendance but then leave or shy away from active participation.

Following the formation of parliamentary committees, the Public Accounts Committee held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday under the House of Representatives. After the general elections on 4 March, the parliamentary subject committees were established by 10 April. On 17 April, all committees appointed their chairpersons. After Bharat Bahadur Khadka from the Nepali Congress was chosen as chairperson, the Public Accounts Committee assembled for the first time on Tuesday. At this meeting, some MPs appeared briefly but left shortly afterward. While some expressed their views, others showed little patience in listening to their colleagues’ opinions.

The meeting was scheduled for 10 a.m. but commenced approximately 25 minutes late. Committee Chair Khadka informed members that a presentation regarding committee matters was planned. He outlined that the agenda included initial discussions on the subjects and procedural directions the committee would undertake moving forward. Subsequently, Secretary Ekram Giri delivered a presentation on the significance and jurisdiction of the Public Accounts Committee.

The secretary elaborated on the committee’s mandate, including oversight of public accounts, the annual audit report by the Auditor General, and monitoring related entities. During the presentation, attendance was still ongoing. After it concluded, MPs began departing one after another. Some shared their views before leaving, while others exited without comment. Reasons such as discussions in the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure or meetings at party’s parliamentary offices were cited when MPs requested leave from Chair Khadka.

The session lasted roughly one hour and fifteen minutes. Although 24 MPs were present according to attendance records, Nepali Congress MP Mohan Acharya was absent due to being outside Kathmandu. By the time Chair Khadka concluded his address at the meeting’s end, only 11 MPs remained. These included Rashtriya Swatantra Party MPs Bipin Kumar Acharya, Ramesh Kumar Sapkota; Nepali Congress’s Yogesh Gauchan Thakali; Nepali Communist Party’s Mahendra Bahadur Shahi; CPN-UML’s Ganesh Singh Thagunna; Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s Khusbu Oli; and Aryan Rai from the Labour and Culture Party, among others.

The remaining MPs had exited the meeting. One MP expressed concern, saying, “If this is the situation at the first meeting, what will the state of affairs be in the future?” Several MPs stressed the importance of making the Public Accounts Committee more effective. They underscored the need to ensure attendance at the start of meetings and to regulate those leaving before critical discussions or decision-making processes concluded.

Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Bipin Acharya proposed implementing a calendar for parliamentary committee work, highlighting its essentiality. “Let’s take our time and proceed with thorough discussions when needed,” he suggested. He also recommended maintaining records of completed work over specified months. Labour and Culture Party MP Nishkal Rai emphasized focusing on serious financial issues, pointing out that 700 billion rupees have remained unpaid from earlier periods and that new arrears must also be managed. He stressed the gravity of the committee’s responsibilities.

MP Rai further noted that MPs must invest sufficient time to make committee meetings effective. Nepali Communist Party MP Mahendra Bahadur Shahi urged that the Public Accounts Committee should be “work-oriented” and proceed accordingly. He highlighted the need to avoid criticism about the committee’s effectiveness by ensuring all efforts were duly productive.

A case has been filed against three individuals, including the chief of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), Prem Kumar Rai, and other senior officials, for allegedly threatening to kill them. The police have registered the case against suspended Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) Director General Pradeep Adhikari, along with Prakash Pathak and Taraprasad Kharel.

The police located Pathak hiding in the Philippines and repatriated him to Nepal with the assistance of Interpol. On April 12 (29th Baisakh), Kathmandu, three individuals were charged with threatening to kill CIAA chief Prem Kumar Rai and other senior officials.

The police filed the case against three people, including suspended CAAN Director General Pradeep Adhikari. Prakash Pathak, residing in Temal-1, Kavre, and Taraprasad Kharel from Buddhashanti Rural Municipality-2, Jhapa, are the other accused. The police stated that they allegedly pressured CIAA chief Rai to resign by using the name of a terrorist organization called ‘EGN’ in a coordinated manner.

The investigation is ongoing with charges including illicit gains from crime, criminal conspiracy, violations of the Electronic Transactions Act, and offenses under the Organized Crime Act, among others.

April 12, Kathmandu – A female ward member lost her life after being hit by a rock that fell from a cliff in Budhiganga Municipality, Bajura district. The deceased has been identified as 37-year-old Kalpana Devi Thapa, a ward member of Budhiganga–3, according to the Bajura District Police Office.

The incident occurred around 5:30 PM, Inspector Naresh Bahadur Shahi, Information Officer of the Bajura District Police Office, confirmed.

According to Inspector Shahi, Ward Member Thapa of Guingad, Budhiganga–3, was returning home on foot from Falasain Bazaar in Budhiganga Municipality–6 when she was struck by a rock that had fallen from a cliff. Locals informed the police that the rock had pushed her down approximately 50 meters from the footpath to the road below. Inspector Shahi further added that Ward Member Thapa died at the scene. A police team has reached the location and is currently conducting an investigation.

29 Baishakh, Kathmandu. During the House of Representatives session on Tuesday, four members of parliament attempted to raise objections (called ‘niryamapatti’) alleging violations of parliamentary rules. While two MPs were granted time to speak, two others were denied the opportunity. The incident unfolded as CPN-UML parliamentary leader Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ was addressing the house when National Independent Party MP Manish Khanal stood up to raise a procedural objection. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal (DP) advised that such objections should be raised after the conclusion of the speaker’s remarks. The session proceeded accordingly.

MP Khanal lodged a complaint that some MPs elected by the people were being referred to as a ‘mob of anarchists’ and raised concerns about unnecessary comments on the Nepalese Army, demanding the removal of these statements from the parliamentary record. Following that, Kusbu Oli, chief convener of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, requested time and was granted it by the Speaker. Oli expressed regret over CPN-UML leader Badal’s comments about the army and also requested that the remarks be expunged from the parliamentary record. However, two other MPs, Parvati Bik of the Nepal Communist Party and Ganesh Karki of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party, were not allowed time to raise objections.

Speaker Aryal told MP Bik, “Procedural objections or pointing out rule violations cannot be made at any time. If you wish to speak out of turn, that is a different matter. However, when raising a procedural objection, one must exercise caution and do so in a timely manner.” Nonetheless, MP Bik did not concede. The Speaker further added, “Honorable member, objections must be raised at the appropriate time. You must study and understand the rules. Previously, those raising objections were allowed to speak, but the issue you are attempting to raise now does not conform to the rules. Please be seated.” Even after this, Bik did not comply. Urging wisdom, the Speaker stated, “I do not want to say more than the dignity of the parliament.” Subsequently, she sat down.

Following this, Rashtriya Swatantra Party MP Ganesh Karki stood up and was given the microphone by the Speaker. As he began to say, “Former speaker Gyan Bahadur Shahi said during his address…,” the Speaker intervened, saying, “Honorable member, if you had raised an objection while Mr. Gyan Bahadur Shahi spoke, I would have granted time. However, you are raising the objection now, after another MP has already spoken. Therefore, I request you to maintain decorum and be seated.” Karki complied reluctantly.

What Are the Rules Regarding Procedural Objections?

Following the Tuesday incident, questions have arisen regarding when MPs are permitted to raise procedural objections in the House of Representatives. Rule 26 of the House Rules addresses this matter. It stipulates, “If any member believes there has been a violation of rules concerning the matter currently under discussion, they may raise an objection by stating the grounds.” To do so, MPs must request permission from the Speaker, and once approved, the member who is speaking must stop to allow the objection to be raised. The member raising the objection may then present their points. Further, Sub-rule 3 of Rule 26 specifies that the objecting member can only speak on matters related to the violation and must then return to their seat. The Speaker’s decision on such matters is final.

However, on Tuesday, two MPs were not granted time to raise objections, prompting debate on whether objections may only be made while a member is speaking or also afterward.

Are There Time Limits for Raising Objections?

According to former Parliamentary Secretariat Secretary Som Bahadur Thapa, a procedural objection refers to a member raising an objection when a statement or action deviates from parliamentary rules. Examples include when an MP speaks off-topic, behaves contrary to procedural conduct, attempts to make decisions by violating rules, or acts contrary to the agenda. Thapa said, “MPs should be alert. While it is appropriate to raise objections during the speech, they may also raise them after the speech if the matter is serious.”

He added that MPs may raise objections not only on statements made on the current day but also on opinions or expressions made on earlier days. “This process serves both as an opposition to the government and as a means to demand answers since the government is continuously accountable,” he explained.

The former secretary emphasized, “A procedural objection is a process based on questions about statements that must logically adhere to parliamentary decorum and practice. All matters become clear after the objection, so it is good practice for the Speaker to seek prior consultation when making decisions. Regarding Tuesday’s incident, the Speaker’s decision cannot be faulted. However, if a member attempts to raise an objection belatedly, time should be allotted.”

Why Should Time Be Given Even After the Fact?

According to the former secretary, parliamentary proceedings are a forum for discussion, argument, and rectification of errors. Procedural objections enable logical questioning and the obtaining of answers.

On What Issues Can Procedural Objections Be Raised?

Rule 20 of the House Rules allows MPs to raise objections when certain procedural norms are violated during the session. The specified rules include:

• Standing up and showing respect when the Speaker enters;
• Speaking without the Speaker’s permission or speaking without allocated time;
• Leaving the chamber without the Speaker’s permission;
• Speaking on irrelevant topics;
• Not disturbing while the Speaker is making statements;
• Keeping phones silent and refraining from phone conversations during the session, among others.

Likewise, Rule 21 outlines the code of conduct for members participating in debates, such as speaking only with the Speaker’s permission, refraining from criticizing the Speaker, avoiding indecent or insulting remarks, and not using unparliamentary language.

Rule 22 governs speaking order and procedures, prohibiting multiple speeches on the same motion without the Speaker’s permission, requiring questions to align with parliamentary decorum, and enabling the Speaker to call a member’s attention if they persistently repeat the same argument, with authority to order a member to stop speaking if necessary.

Furthermore, if required during debate, MPs may request clarifications from the Speaker, but contentious issues should not be raised. By carefully adhering to these rules, MPs can appropriately raise questions and procedural objections in parliament.

At the Rani border post in Biratnagar, identity cards are now mandatory for entry into Nepal, and security measures have been intensified. DIG Vinod Ghimire, Chief of Koshi Province Police, reported that heightened vigilance has been implemented along the border areas. Chief District Officer Yubaraj Kattel stated that the requirement for identity cards aims to curb illegal crossings and unlawful activities. (29 Baishakh, Biratnagar)

Local administration has tightened controls for those entering Nepal through the Rani border post in Biratnagar. Following the political shift in West Bengal, India, security at Rani, which serves as an entry point from Jogbani to Biratnagar, has been bolstered. Notably, identity cards have already been mandatory at the eastern Kakarvitta border post.

Increased vigilance has been implemented across all border points adjoining India, DIG Vinod Ghimire confirmed. The heightened surveillance is partly due to concerns that Rohingya refugees may attempt entry into Nepal. “All police units along the border have intensified their watch,” he remarked, “and identity cards are now compulsory for entry into Nepal.”

The political landscape in West Bengal has changed, with BJP leader Shuvendu Adhikari assuming the Chief Minister position, ending Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year governance. Adhikari is known as a staunch Hindu nationalist. Following his appointment, reports indicate that Rohingya refugees—who had sought shelter in West Bengal after fleeing Myanmar via Bangladesh—have begun vacating camps, increasing the possibility of their movement into Nepal, prompting stricter border enforcement.

The Police Headquarters issued a circular directing all districts bordering India to maintain heightened security. Security personnel stationed at border points are also questioning entrants about their purpose of visit. A joint team comprising Armed Police and District Police has been deployed at the border, supported by trained sniffer dogs for security inspections.

Trains from Kolkata arrive at Jogbani every three days, potentially facilitating movement along rail and road routes from West Bengal where Rohingya refugees reside. Police indicate that these routes could be used to enter Nepal, leading to the increased border checks. Chief District Officer Yubaraj Kattel emphasized, “Border security is our routine duty; the enhanced measures aim to prevent unwanted activities and reduce dependence on Indian markets. Identity cards are now mandatory at all border points in Morang district.”