The Supreme Court has issued a show-cause order in response to a writ petition filed by Nagarik Unmukti Party Nepal patron Resham Lal Chaudhary, challenging the election officer’s decision to reject his candidacy.
On Sunday, a bench of Justice Bal Krishna Dhakal ordered the respondents to appear for an interim order hearing scheduled for Magh 15. The court also directed the respondents to submit a written response within 15 days through the Office of the Attorney General.
Chaudhary had filed the writ petition naming the Election Commission and the Office of the Election Officer in Kailali as respondents, seeking annulment of the decision that invalidated his candidacy.
The Supreme Court has further ordered the concerned authorities to submit certified copies of court records related to Chaudhary in cases involving murder, attempted murder, and robbery.
According to Election Officer Devaraj Bharti, the decision to reject Chaudhary’s candidacy was based on three main grounds, primarily that Chaudhary had served a life sentence, making him ineligible to become a member of the House of Representatives under existing law.
Although Chaudhary had received a presidential pardon on the government’s recommendation in connection with the Tikapur incident, the Election Commission maintains that individuals who have served life imprisonment are not eligible to contest elections.
Previously as well, Chaudhary’s candidacy was rejected during the 2079 elections while he was still in prison. After his candidacy was rejected for the third time, his father Lalbir Chaudhary entered the electoral race as an independent candidate.
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