SC refuses to issue interim order against Ghising’s removal

Kathmandu / April 3: The Supreme Court (SC) has refused to issue an interim order on the government’s decision to remove Kulman Ghising from the position of Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

The division bench of Justices Dr Kumar Chudal and Nityananda Pandey stated that the issue will be resolved when a final decision is made on the case, and thus, they refused to issue an interim order. However, the bench granted priority to the case, instructing that it be given precedence in the proceedings.

Following the SC’s order on Thursday, Hitendra Dev Shakya will be allowed to continue working as the NEA MD. After three consecutive days of hearings, the SC issued a preliminary order on the writ petitions filed by Ghising and Shakya.

With the SC’s order, a full hearing will now take place on Ghising’s writ petition, who had five months remaining in his term when he was removed from office. Last week, the government removed Ghising from his position, citing various allegations, and appointed Shakya as NEA MD.

Ghising had filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court on Monday alleging that he was removed from the post of managing director without proper cause by the Council of Ministers on Monday. He had sought an interim order against the government’s decision.

Meanwhile, Shakya had filed another writ petition four years ago claiming that Ghising’s appointment was illegal.