Kathmandu — The Supreme Court on Friday continued the hearing on the dispute surrounding the appointment of Saroj Kumar Yadav as the Chief Minister of Madhes Province. The bench of Justices Hari Prasad Phuyal and Nityananda Pandey has been conducting continuous hearings since Thursday.
The court is examining three separate petitions filed against the government formation process. Arguments from all sides could not be completed on Thursday, leading the bench to keep the case under further hearing and resume the session on Friday.
Background and Political Reactions
The petitions argue that a government could still have been formed under Article 168(2) of the Constitution, but the process moved ahead under Article 168(3). Based on that interpretation, then-Province Chief Sumitra Subedi Bhandari appointed CPN-UML’s Saroj Kumar Yadav as Chief Minister.
On Kartik 24, she administered the oath of office to Yadav early in the morning at the Panas Hotel in Bardibas, Mahottari. After the appointment, the federal government recommended her dismissal, and the President removed Province Chief Bhandari from her post.
Following the appointment, several provincial lawmakers took to the streets, alleging constitutional violations. The Supreme Court, during the preliminary hearing, issued an interim order instructing the provincial government not to make major policy or long-term decisions until the case is settled.
Key Issues Raised in Friday’s Hearing
Lawyers presented arguments on the constitutional basis for forming the government, the validity of actions taken by the Province Chief, the timing and location of the oath ceremony, and the numerical strength within the provincial assembly.
The court has not indicated when a final verdict will be issued, but the continuation of consecutive hearings suggests a decision may come soon.
