Supreme Court reopens Nepali Congress leadership row

Nepal's Supreme Court has reopened a significant legal dispute over the leadership of the Nepali Congress party, potentially altering its political trajectory. The court decided to review its April ruling that had recognized the party's special general convention and the central working committee headed by Gagan Thapa.

The review was prompted by separate petitions filed by former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba and former acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka. They argued that the April verdict, which upheld the Election Commission's recognition of Thapa's leadership, contained flaws. While the court's order revives the dispute, it does not immediately change the party's current leadership. Gagan Thapa remains party president, and his central working committee retains legal authority until a fresh ruling is issued.

This judicial review effectively resets the case to its pre-April judgment stage. A new bench, distinct from those involved in the earlier verdict, will hear the case anew. All respondents, including the Election Commission and the Thapa-led leadership, will be notified. The court will seek written responses, obtain original records, and examine evidence from both sides before delivering a final judgment.

The timing of this review is critical, as the Nepali Congress was nearing a formal split. Deuba's faction had been emboldened by the court's decision to review the case and had been preparing to form a separate party. They had planned a national gathering in Kathmandu for August 14-16 to discuss party statute, finances, and political issues. However, following the Supreme Court's order, leaders from Deuba's camp indicated a potential shift in strategy, suggesting the gathering would proceed but immediate plans for a new party might be dropped.

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There is no plan to postpone the gathering as of now. We will sit for discussions.