The dispute over the legitimacy of Nepal Olympic Committees (NOC) has taken another twist after the Supreme Court on  Sunday issued a stay order on a Home state-ministerial level decision of padlocking the NOC office building.

Following the state ministerial level decision, the Kathmandu and Lalitpur District Administration Office (DAO) had padlocked the NOC building in Satdobato with Rukma Shumsher Rana-led panel trying to take over the office. The NOC building was constructed and completed by then-President Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan-led committee. Jivan Ram Shrestha has replaced Pradhan at the helm of the organisation, recognised by International Olympic Council and Olympic Council of Asia.

Shrestha-led NOC had filed a writ petition against the padlocking with the apex court issuing an stay order on the decision. Supreme Court has also asked both the committees to appear for further discussion on May 28.

“This is a decision taken by the Supreme Court and the DAOs need to respect it and let us work. The directive from the DAOs had prevent us from preparing for the impending South Asian Games. Sunday’s decision will help us in materialising our plans to prepare for the Games,” said Shrestha.

Nepal are preparing to host the 13th SA Games in 2019 with the dates yet to be fixed. Shrestha was not clear on whether or not his committee was going to take over the office building in Satdobato.