Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli Urges Legal Practitioners to Trust People’s Mandate on Constitutional Amendments

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called on law practitioners not to fall into the illusion that amending the constitution would lead to regression. During a meeting with a delegation from the Nepal Bar Association at Singha Durbar on Friday, PM Oli emphasized the importance of adhering to the people’s mandate.

“Two-thirds of parliamentarians can amend the constitution. The amendment is considered on this basis,” PM Oli stated, reminding the delegation of the struggle and imprisonment endured in the fight for democracy. “We have come to this stage after enduring imprisonment and struggle while fighting for democracy,” he added.

The Prime Minister expressed confusion over the notion that amending the constitution could jeopardize democracy. “We do not accept regression. Amendment is a measure to iron out the issues emerged while implementing constitution and to address issues pertaining to progression, good governance, and development,” he asserted.

PM Oli also highlighted the role of the judiciary in maintaining the principle of checks and balances. He addressed concerns about the economic feasibility of increasing civil employee salaries, noting practical challenges in implementing court verdicts on salary hikes.

Additionally, PM Oli commented on the Nepal Bar Association’s proposal to shorten the six-month timeframe for finalizing impeachment proposals against constitutional body office bearers. He also urged legal professionals to reconsider their demand to remove parliamentary hearings for judge appointments, as this provision is enshrined in the constitution.

Present at the meeting were Attorney General Ramesh Badal, Chief Secretary Leela Devi Gadtaula, and former MP Ram Narayan Bidari, among others.