Supreme Court orders government to justify appointment of Attorney General Kandel

The Supreme Court has ordered the government to explain why Attorney General Dr Narayandatta Kandel should not be removed from office.

After a preliminary hearing on a writ petition challenging his appointment, the court issued a show-cause order directing the government to justify why he should not be dismissed. 

The bench led by Justice Kumar Regmi has also scheduled a hearing for next Thursday, summoning the government side to respond to a request for an interim order seeking to prevent Attorney General Kandel from carrying out his official duties.

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The court has further called both parties for discussion on May 5 to decide whether an interim order should be issued. After hearing arguments, the court will decide on the interim order.

Prime Minister Balen Shah appointed Dr Kandel as the new Attorney General on April 5. Under the Constitution, the PM may appoint a person eligible to become a Supreme Court judge as Attorney General.

However, petitioners argue that the post requires at least 15 years of continuous legal practice, which they claim Dr Kandel does not meet.