The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued an order allowing the current working committee of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) to resume its functions. This decision, made by Justices Tilak Prasad Shrestha and Tek Prasad Dhungana, overturns a previous ruling that had suspended the committee's operations.
The earlier verdict, delivered by Justices Sapna Pradhan Malla and Nahkul Subedi, had invalidated all existing working committees and transferred responsibilities to a dispute resolution committee led by Shesh Ghale. Following this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had instructed the committee headed by Dr. Badri KC to cease activities.
In response, Dr. KC's committee petitioned the Supreme Court, arguing for their right to continue operations. The court has now ruled in their favor, effectively nullifying the Foreign Ministry's directive. Govinda Prasad Ghimire, co-spokesperson for the Supreme Court, confirmed that the committee is now free to resume its work.
This latest ruling also revives a high-level committee formed on 2021 AD by the NRNA's 81st International Coordination Council meeting. This committee, comprising former NRNA presidents and key figures, has been tasked with finding a consensual solution to the organization's internal disputes.
The NRNA has been embroiled in leadership conflicts since 2078 BS (2021 AD), with multiple factions claiming legitimacy. The Supreme Court's previous ruling in March had declared all existing committees illegal and provided an 8-point roadmap for electing a new unified working committee.
This new order aims to resolve the ongoing leadership crisis within the NRNA by reverting to the situation as it stood in 2078 BS and empowering the committee of former presidents to mediate the disputes.
