The appointment of a new governor of the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) remains uncertain following the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the interim order that blocks recent amendment to the eligibility criteria.
The court on April 30 upheld an earlier interim order issued on April 15, preventing the government from removing the age limit of 65 years for appointing the central bank governor. The joint bench of Justices Til Prasad Shrestha and Bal Krishna Dhakal stated that the government failed to justify why the age limit should be scrapped, reads the full text of verdict published on Wednesday.
“Therefore, the order that bars the government from enforcing its recent amendment to remove the age requirement will remain in effect.”
The amendment in question involved changes to the criteria set in 2073 BS for appointing officials under the Ministry of Finance. The government had removed the age limit, which many believed was done to appoint a governor of its own choosing.
With the court order in place, the appointment process has come to a standstill. “No appointment can proceed while the interim order remains active,” said Advocate Anantaraj Luintel, who argued in the case.
The petition challenging the amendment was filed on March 26 by Advocates Pratibha Upreti and Bishal Thapa. They argued that removing the age limit would compromise the integrity of the appointment process.
Legal experts and observers say the case has raised serious questions about transparency and the government’s commitment to fair appointments. Until the Supreme Court makes a final decision, the central bank is expected to remain under interim leadership, adding uncertainty to key monetary policy decisions.
NRB submits Pre-budget Review Report to Finance Ministry
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has submitted its Pre-budget Review Report for the fiscal year 2082/83 BS to the Ministry of Finance.
NRB Acting Governor Dr Neelam Dhungana Timsina presented the report to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel on Wednesday. She informed the Finance Minister that the report was prepared after carrying out a study and holding discussion with key stakeholders in different parts of the country.
On the occasion, Finance Minister Paudel said that the NRB's report would contribute significantly in the preparation of the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, according to the Finance Minister's Secretariat.
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