RSP lawmakers debate judicial independence in Nepal

Lawmakers from the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have sparked debate in Nepal’s House of Representatives regarding judicial independence and the separation of powers. RSP lawmaker Yagya Mani Neupane proposed a parliamentary mechanism to study court rulings and suggested investigating the assets of judges, alleging that the judiciary is increasingly interfering in state policymaking and government affairs.

While some lawmakers argued that questioning judicial proceedings in Parliament could undermine the separation of powers, the political tension follows the controversial detention of former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana. Rana was taken from his residence by police and later released into family custody without a publicly disclosed legal basis or an arrest warrant.

The National Human Rights Commission criticized the police conduct during Rana’s detention, stating that officials were prevented from meeting him. Although RSP lawmakers did not raise Rana’s detention during the parliamentary emergency hour, some party members have expressed concerns on social media regarding the legality of the police procedure.