SC declares Lamichhane’s citizenship invalid, annuls cabinet post and house membership

Kathmandu: The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered deputy prime minister and home minister Rabi Lamichhane’s citizenship illegal and terminated his cabinet position as well as house membership.

The Constitution bench of SC headed by acting chief justice Hari Krishna Karki declared that Lamichhane did not go through the due process to reacquire his Nepali citizenship after he had renounced his U.S. citizenship.

Beside acting CJ Karki, other members on the bench were justices Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha, Ishwor Prasad Khatiwada, Dr. Ananda Mohan Bhattarai and Anil Kurmar Singha

Along with this verdict of SC the Rastriya Swatatantra Party, seen as an alternative political phenomenon in Nepal, becomes leaderless with just 19 members in the House.

Lamichhane has won from constituency-2 in Chitwan in the November 20 election.

The SC delivered the verdict after five pm, with the end of normal office hours amid tight security arrangements and fear of reprisal from the RSP supporters.