KATHMANDU: The Nepal Bar Association today warned of constitutional and political crises in the country if the Constituent Assembly could not promulgate the new constitution by May 28.

Submitting a memorandum to CA chairman Subas Chandra Nembang, the NBA urged the CA to promulgate the new constitution by the day specified by the Interim Constitution of Nepal 2007.

"Failure to promulgate the constitution on time can push the nation towards serious constitutional and political crises. The promulgation of the constitution on time, therefore, is the need of the hour," the memorandum stated. Hundreds of lawyers staged a sit-in in front of the CA building today demanding a timely constitution.

"The delay in the promulgation of the constitution would mean to lead the nation to a more serious political and constitutional impasse," NBA President Bishwo Kanta Mainali said, addressing the mass. He also urged the guarantee of the rule of law, independent judiciary, democratic principle and human rights in the new constitution.

The NBA also urged the CA to consider the former's concept on financial system, federal structure and judiciary, among others. "We are surprised at the slow pace of constitution writing, when the time for the same is running out," he said. The NBA also asked Nemabng to disseminate their message in the CA.