Kathmandu, January 14:

The interim constitution, if promulgated tomorrow as it has been agreed, will not be a democratic constitution since people cannot raise voice against proceedings of the interim legislature, said Bhimarjun Acharya, a constitutional expert.

Speaking at an interaction on ‘Role of Print Media in the Formation of New Nepal’, he claimed: “There is a provision in the interim constitution that anyone questioning proceedings of the legislature, speech made by any member of the legislature may be sentenced to jail for a maximum of three months.”

According to him, the interim statute has failed to ensure the democratic rights and people’s rights to question the activities of the members of legislature in interim parliament. It has failed to address the mandate and incorporate people’s sentiments expressed during Jana Andolan-II.

Former Minister of Law Nilambar Acharya alleged that media personnel are silent about the flaws of the interim statute. “If the media are not united in pushing democracy and righteousness, lawmakers who commit mistakes would be encouraged and we won’t be able to achieve our goal of holding CA polls.” Acharya also launched a monthly magazine Khoji.