Parties press for halt to constitution drafting

KATHMANDU, JUN 20 - Some of the Madhesi and Janajati parties have urged the Constitution Drafting Committee to halt its work.

Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal (SSFN), Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party, Sadbhawana Party and Tarai Madhes Sadbhawana Party said the four parties--Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, UCPN (Maoist) and MJF-Loktantrik--were pushing forward constitution-writing, ignoring the apex court ruling.

The disgruntled parties said that the Supreme Court’s stay order on the implementation of the 16-point agreement favours the people. They argue that the ruling has reinforced the faith of the marginalised and oppressed people in the judiciary.

“The four parties have attempted to undermine the SC by defying its order. This should stop,” said Ashok Rai, senior leader of the SSFN. Sadbhawana Party President Rajendra Mahato said the order had recognised their voice. He said the verdict was obvious as the 16-point pact was against the Interim Constitution.

A single bench of Justice Girish Chandra Lal ruled on Friday not to implement the 16-point pact until another order. A section of Madhesi and Janajati leaders have criticised the four parties’ statement that they will not abide by the court’s order. “Their remarks are arbitrary and reek of the monopoly of the four parties. It will set a wrong precedent,” said Rai.

SSFN Chairman Upendra Yadav said on Friday that the ruling rightly pointed out the unconstitutional nature of the four-party agreement.

Opposition leaders, however, say the four parties are free to contest the order legally.