In Nepal, president to seek legal advice on constitutionality of appointment procedure in proposed bill

President Ram Chandra Poudel has blocked the Constitutional Council Bill, which includes a provision that allows decisions to be taken even in the absence of a majority, citing the need for legal advice. The bill was passed by both houses of the federal parliament and reached Sheetal Niwas on Ashad 32. The President is concerned about the new provision that allows only two out of the six members of the council to recommend appointments. This change in the law is against the principle of balance of power in the constitution, according to a source at the President’s Sheetal Niwas. For this reason, President Poudel will decide whether to certify it or send it back to parliament for one time only after further consultation. Clause 2 of Article 113 of the Constitution provides that a bill submitted to the President must be certified within fifteen days. If the President feels that it is necessary to reconsider the bill, he can send it back to the house of origin with a message within fifteen days of its submission.
Read the full article here: Nepal National Daily