Constitutional Crisis: K P Sharma Oli's Appointment Challenged in Nepal's Supreme Court

Nepal's Supreme Court has forwarded a petition challenging K P Sharma Oli's recent appointment as prime minister to a constitutional bench for serious constitutional interpretation. Filed by three advocates, the petition argues Oli's appointment is unconstitutional and calls for a new government formation. The country is facing political uncertainty with frequent changes in leadership.

Nepal's Supreme Court has advanced a petition questioning the legitimacy of K P Sharma Oli's appointment as prime minister to a constitutional bench, highlighting the need for meticulous constitutional scrutiny.

Oli, 72, secured a confidence vote in Parliament following his fourth swearing-in as the Himalayan nation's prime minister earlier this week. However, his appointment was swiftly contested by three advocates who filed a petition at the apex court.

The petition contends that Oli's appointment breaches constitutional provisions and seeks a mandamus order to annul it. Justice Bal Krishna Dhakal cited the necessity for profound constitutional interpretation and referred the case to the constitutional bench.

According to the petition, under Article 76(3) if a government formed as per Article 76(2) fails a floor test, the president must call for a new government formation. Nepal has seen 14 governments in the past 16 years, reflecting its persistent political instability.

(With inputs from agencies.)