CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has said the Supreme Court cannot avoid its responsibility in deciding the issue of restoring Nepal’s House of Representatives. Speaking at an interaction program organized by Press Chautari Nepal, Basnet said the Supreme Court must address the matter without delay and deliver a clear verdict.
“The Supreme Court cannot evade the issue of House restoration. It must be resolved immediately,” Basnet said. “If the House is restored, all activities and expenditures currently being carried out in the name of elections will become unnecessary. If it is not restored, the country should move forward confidently with the elections.”
He said judicial processes should not be delayed and warned against any form of hesitation in delivering justice.
Allegations of Pressure and Judicial Delay
Basnet alleged that judicial proceedings were being slowed due to fear, intimidation, temptation, or external interference. He claimed there was reluctance within the judiciary to deliver verdicts due to pressure, fear of impeachment, or concern over national and international reactions.
According to Basnet, the judicial resolution of the House restoration issue has been deliberately prolonged. He said hearings have repeatedly been postponed despite expectations, and alleged a growing tendency among the Chief Justice and other judges to remain unavailable, citing illness or avoiding communication.
“These developments suggest a serious crisis,” Basnet said. “It feels as though not only the Supreme Court, High Courts, and District Courts are under pressure, but that the entire judicial system itself is under strain.”
