Supreme Court quashes writ petition against Koshi chief minister

Kathmandu / June 25: The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a writ petition filed by former chief minister and Nepali Congress lawmaker Kedar Karki challenging the government formation in Koshi Province.

A full bench of Justices Kumar Regmi, Nahakul Subedi and Aziz Musalman quashed the writ petition filed against Chief Minister Hikmat Karki.

Following the apex court’s decision, Hikmat Karki will continue as the chief minister.

The former chief minister moved the apex court, claiming Hikmat Karki’s appointment was unconstitutional. He has asked the court to issue mandamus, certiorari, and quo warranto orders to reinstate him as the chief minister.

On May 9, Province Head Parshuram Khapung appointed Hikmat Karki as per Article 168 (5) of the constitution after the UML leader staked his claim to the post with the support of 52 lawmakers. The support of 47 lawmakers is required for a majority to form the government in the 93-strong assembly.

It is Hikmat Karki’s third stint as a chief minister and the sixth government in Koshi in 17 months after the 2022 November elections. He was elected to the provincial assembly from Jhapa Constituency-5 (1).