Kathmandu, March 8, 2006

Nepal bandhs, strike and protests being held by various political parties have adversely affected the business sector to a great extend and ultimately violate human rights of businesspersons as well. 16 business organisations including the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO) and Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) have raised their voices unanimously to protest against further bandhs and strikes as they have hurt the national economy, making the sustenance of small and big business enterprises difficult. Ajad Shrestha, vice-president of FNCCI, said that there is a blatant violation of human rights of businesspersons that needs to be ‘stopped’ immediately. Shrestha demanded all concerned sections in the political arena to declare the business sector as a ‘peace zone’ and allow free operation of businesses. Shrestha also disclosed that the business community is thinking of making an appeal to chief of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Ian Martin regarding the violation of human rights of business sector people. Surendra Bir Malakar, vice-president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), said that all 16 business associations are going to make a joint appeal to concerned political parties not to move ahead in organising bandhs and strikes as it will ultimately snatch away our bread and butter. Malakar said that businesspersons have also the right to do business. Business sector people do not have coordination among themselves which has damaged its ability to have one voice against bandhs and strikes, Malakar added.

SC refuses to test govt’s constitutionality

Kathmandu, March 8, 2006

The Supreme Court today refused to register a case that had been filed yesterday demanding that the apex court test the constitutionality of the present Council of Ministers chaired by the King. Registrar of the Supreme Court, Dr Ram Krishna Timalsena, refused to register the case, saying that a single bench headed by Chief Justice Dilip Kumar Paudel had nullified a similar case a few months ago. “Since the case has already been settled by the Chief Justice’s bench, there was no need to register the case as per the Supreme Court Regulation and Court Management Chapter of the National Code,” the rejection order passed by Dr Timalsena stated. He also cited the order passed by a single bench of Chief Justice Paudel in response to a writ petition filed by Ram Kishori Mahato. The petitioner had challenged the formation of the government chaired by the King. Dr Timalsena also cited constitutional and legal provisions, precedents and records of the SC while rejecting the petition.