Dahal defends authentication of Citizenship Bill

Himal Press 05 Jun 2023
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Dahal defends authentication of Citizenship Bill File Photo

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that presenting the Nepal Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which had been approved by the federal parliament twice, for discussion in parliament again would have been a disrespect to the institution.

“Parliament cannot reject a Bill that has been approved twice by the previous parliament,” Dahal said, addressing parliament on Monday.

He also said former President Bidya Devi Bhandari violated the constitution by not authenticating the Bill forwarded by parliament twice. As it was not possible to revoke the Bill held by the outgoing president, the government had to request the new president to authenticate it, Dahal explained.

“While there is a constitutional provision allowing the President to return a Bill with a note, the President must authenticate it within 15 days if the Bill is forwarded again after it is endorsed by parliament for the second time,” Dahal said. “Everyone was aware of the violation of the constitution by the President.”

“The Bill, which had been approved twice by parliament, was at the Office of the President. Was there any other alternative for authentication without violating the constitution?” Dahal questioned.

Dahal also said that the authentication of the Bill has brought the constitution back on track.

Published On: 05 Jun 2023

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