Doubts remain

The Himalayan Times

20 May 2014

Doubts remain

This is in response to the news report “Statute may not be delivered on time: Gyawali” (THT, 19 Mar, Page 3). This possibility does not seem palatable all the political parties had promised to promulgate the new constitution within one year. However, looking closely at the ongoing political activities of the senior leaders of major political parties, Gyawali’s saying cannot be easily rejected. In a recent meeting with the 5 Chairmen of various constitutional committees, CA Chairman Subash Nembang had even expressed his dissatisfaction over the absenteeism of senior leaders in the house and other CA deliberation.

The slow pace of the coalition government on handling the state’s daily affairs, delay in nomination of 26 lawmakers, delay in nomination of chiefs and members of various constitutional bodies, delay in holding local election as promised to hold within six months and so on, leave ample room for suspicion. It has been almost three months since the formation of the government.

There seems to be clear division of opinion of lawmakers of ruling parties over the JC’s recommendation of 8 judges for the permanent positions of the Supreme Court justices as reported in “PHSC divided on JC accountability” (THT, 19 Mar, Page 1). Why did the JC’s recommendation of these judges become so controversial? Was it necessary to make it controversial by dragging the issues into the Supreme Court (SC)? Does not it fall under the jurisdiction of Public Hearing Special Committee (PHSC) to investigate the background of the nominated judges? How come the JC objects PHSC directives to appear before it? Is not it a dishonour of democratic institution? Are not these the indications of diversion of mind and energy towards making it harder to draft the new constitution within one year?

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj, Kathmandu.