SC asks Regmi to clarify his dual posts

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked Chairman of the Interim Election Government Khil Raj Regmi to explain as to why he was holding the dual positions of the executive head and that of judiciary.

A single bench of Justice Girish Chandra Lal has asked Regmi, the sole defendant in the petition, to furnish reply within 15 days of receiving the court order. The bench was responding to a petition filed by Bharat Jungum demanding resignation of Regmi from the post of chief justice.

Jungum had moved the court on May 27 arguing that holding of dual position was against the principle of separation of powers. The court administration had a day earlier asked Jungum to clarify the legal basis for seeking the resignation.

Jungum argues that Regmi, who held the position of chief justice, did not even consider the fact that a petition remains sub judice challenging his possible appointment and took oath on the same day when hearing of the petition was scheduled. However, an apex court ruling on March 18 by Justice Lal himself has ordered that Regmi be known only as chairman of the interim election government and not chief justice so long as he remains at the helm of the government.

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