Decision to increase number of local levels challenged in SC

Kathmandu, March 6

A writ petition was filed today at the Supreme Court against the government’s decision to increase the number of local levels to 744. The government had decided to increase the number of local levels acting on the suggestion of a government task force.

Writ petitioner Chiranjivi Rijal challenged the government’s decision, stating that he had earlier field a petition demanding implementation of the Local Bodies Restructuring Commission’s report and when the case was still sub judice the government decided to increase the number of local levels. He pointed out that the government decided to increase the number of local levels after the Election Commission had already enforced the election code of conduct.

The petitioner argued that the government’s decision to increase the number of local levels would adversely affect the sub judice case.

The petitioner said the government decided to increase the number of local levels to appease Madhesi leaders of Province 2 in violation of Article 295 (3) of the constitution. If the government amends the LBRC’s report without any constitutional basis, it could set a bad precedent for raising questions against any constitutional commission, the petitioner stated in his writ.

The petitioner sought to quash the decision to increase the number of local levels and sought interim order against the government’s decision.

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