Prez returns ordinance related to constitutional council

KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has returned an ordinance related to the Constitutional Council to the Council of Ministers for reconsideration.

“President Ram Chandra Paudel, in accordance with the Constitution of Nepal, 15, has returned the ‘Constitutional Council (Functions, Duties, Powers and Procedures) (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2026’, which was recommended by the decision of the Council of Ministers on April 27 for reconsideration of its subject matter,” a statement issued by the Office of the President said.

According to the statement, the President also recalled the Constitutional Council (Functions, Duties, Powers and Procedures) (First Amendment) Bill, 2009, submitted for authentication on July 9 last year following approval by both Houses, and the ‘Constitutional Council (Functions, Duties, Powers and Procedures) (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2025,’ received following the decision of the then Council of Ministers on November 18, 2025 was also not issued.

The President, however, has issued other ordinances forwarded by the government.

According to the President’s Press Adviser Kiran Pokharel, the decision to return the ordinance was taken to safeguard the essence and spirit of the constitution and to keep the multi-party system vibrant.

The ordinance authorizes the Prime Minister, who is also the Chairperson of the Council, to make a decision with the support of three members in the six-member Constitutional Council.

The Chief Justice, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chairperson of the National Assembly, and the Leader of the main opposition party are the members of the Council.

As per the existing law, the participation of the chairperson and at least four members is mandatory to achieve the quorum, and decisions are taken on a consensus basis.