Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court has issued a show-cause notice in a writ petition challenging the government’s decision to ban student unions in educational institutions.
Hearing a writ filed registered by Sandeep Thapa and others, a single bench of Justice Sunil Kumar Pokharel issued the order on Monday.
In its order, the bench directed the government to submit, within 15 days through the Office of the Attorney General, the grounds and reasons explaining why an interim order should not be issued as demanded by the petitioners.
The court has also summoned both parties for a hearing on May 11 to decide whether to issue an interim order.
Leaders of the Scientific Socialist Student Organisation, including Sandeep Thapa, Sumit Mainali, Mili Gautam and Kalash Chamlagain, and Advocate Pradeep Bishwakarma had registered the petition on April 29, arguing that the decision infringes on citizens’ fundamental rights. They have made the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, among others, defendants in the case.
According to the petitioners, the government’s move has violated the fundamental rights of the citizens.
The Balendra Shah-led government, as part of its 100-point governance reform agenda, decided to remove party-affiliated student organisations from educational institutions within 60 days and to develop alternative mechanisms such as “Student Councils” or “Voice of Students” within 90 days.
On April 20, Prime Minister Shah instructed vice-chancellors from universities and health academies across the country to immediately remove party-affiliated student and staff organizations from campus premises. He urged them to allow the mobilization of security personnel, if needed, to implement the decision.
