Kathmandu: The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday refused to issue an interim order against the government’s decision regarding the appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Hearing a writ petition filed by Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Nepal Police Bishwo Raj Pokharel, a single bench of Justice Sushma Lata Mathema issued a show-cause notice to the government. The final hearing has been scheduled from May 31.
Pokharel had filed the writ at the apex court challenging the government’s decision to promote Dhiraj Pratap Singh as the new top cop. He had sought a stay order from the court.
The appointment of the new IGP has courted controversy in the law enforcement agency ahead of local elections. Although the regulation clearly states that the government shall appoint the Inspector General based on merit and seniority, a meeting of the Council of Ministers appointed Singh, who was behind two additional inspector generals–Bishwo Raj Pokharel and Rabindra Dhanuk–in rankings.
Amid controversy, the newly-appointed Nepal Police Chief has been conferred with insignia on Monday morning amid a function at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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