Writ filed against the proposed appointment of Dr. Poudel as Governor

KATHMANDU, MAY 13: A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court challenging the reported preparations to appoint economist Dr. Bishwo Poudel as the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank. The petition claims that appointing an active political party member to the central bank's top post violates the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2058 (2002).

The writ was filed by advocates Pratibha Upreti and Bishal Thapa. They noted that an earlier interim order issued on April 29 had already put the implementation of the amended eligibility criteria on hold, following a separate writ regarding age requirements.

After the resignation of Executive Director Dr. Gunakar Bhatta was not accepted, Dr. Poudel, a senior leader of the Nepali Congress, was put forward as a candidate for the governor’s position. The petitioners argue that Section 25 of the above-mentioned Act mandates the initiation of the appointment process publicly at least one month in advance, and Section 32 prohibits any conflict of interest.

They further argue that appointing a political party member like Dr. Poudel violates Section 219(B) of the Act, which bars individuals with partisan affiliations from holding the post. Citing these grounds, the petitioners have requested the court to issue an order to halt his appointment, stating that it would go against the principles of good governance.