SC seeks written response of govt on the writ challenging Nepal-India electricity agreement

KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court has directed the government to provide a written response within 15 days, explaining why the long-term electricity agreement between Nepal and India should not be annulled as demanded by the plaintiffs.

Hearing a writ petition against the agreement registered by Surya Nath Upadhyaya, former Chief Commissioner of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), a single bench of Justice Nahakul Aryal issued the order. The apex court has directed both parties of the case to attend a hearing on February 6.

Upadhyaya has argued in the petition that the agreement contradicts Article 279 of the Constitution and that it is not in the long-term interest of the country.

The apex court has further instructed the Office of the Attorney General to present the original copy of the agreement concluded between Nepal and India on February 6.

Nepal and India signed the agreement during the visit of Indian External Minister S Jaishankar to Kathmandu on January 4. In the agreement, India has agreed to buy 10,000 MW of hydropower from Nepal in the next 10 years.

The apex court has also asked the Nepal Bar Association and Supreme Court Bar Association to appoint one Senior Advocate or Advocate each as amicus curiae for the hearing on February 6.