The Supreme Court of Nepal has refused to issue an interim order against the Election Commission's decision to recognize Gagan Thapa as the President of Nepali Congress.
A single bench led by Justice Sunil Kumar Pokhrel issued the ruling, paving the path for Thapa to continue his functions as the party head for the time being.
The legal challenge arose following a Special General Convention of Nepali Congress, which resulted in the formation of a new Central Working Committee under Gagan Thapa's leadership. While the Election Commission formally recognized this new committee, the move was contested by the party's establishment faction.
Purna Bahadur Khadka on January 18, filed a writ petition on behalf, mentioning the Election Commission, President Gagan Thapa, and Vice President Bishow Prakash Sharma as defendants.
The petition sought immediate cancellation of the Election Commission’s decision to recognize Thapa's leadership and halt the ongoing registration process for House of Representatives candidates under the new leadership.
While Justice Pokhrel’s bench refused to grant the stay order immediately, the court has not dismissed the case. Instead, it has summoned both parties for a discussion to further deliberate on whether an interim order is warranted.
The refusal to grant an interim order is seen as a significant temporary victory for the Thapa-led faction. It ensures that the current candidate nomination process for the upcoming elections can proceed under his leadership while the legal battle continues in court.
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