President Poudel consults experts on controversial Constitutional Council ordinance

The government has recommended ending the parliamentary session to issue six ordinances at once, prompting President Ram Chandra Poudel to take active steps to resolve legal complexities.

To discuss the provisions of the ordinances and constitutional decorum, he has invited constitutional and legal experts to the Sheetal Niwas for consultations at 4 PM today.

Among the six recommended ordinances, the one concerning the Constitutional Council (functions, duties, powers, and procedures) has placed the President under the most ethical and legal pressure.

This ordinance proposes that decisions can be made with the presence of only three out of the six council members. Previously, a bill with a similar provision passed by Parliament was returned by President Poudel for reconsideration, citing it as contrary to the ‘democratic principle of majority.’

With the same provision reappearing through an ordinance, President Poudel seeks advice on how to uphold constitutional and democratic values.

It is understood that only after this consultation with constitutional experts will the President make a final decision on whether to authenticate or halt these ordinances.