Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the judiciary unnecessarily intervened in the decision of the executive to nominate three National Assembly (NA) members.

Addressing an orientation programme for newly elected members of federal parliament from the CPN-UML and the CPN (Maoist Centre) on Saturday, the PM said the Supreme Court’s staying of the swearing-in of the three members appointed by the President on the new government’s recommendation was “unnecessary”.

Oli defended the presidential move of approving fresh names by delaying appointment of those recommended by the Sher Bahadur Deuba government earlier.

Criticising the activities of the judiciary, PM Oli said the government has the authority to take executive decisions, which the judiciary should have no problems with.

“The President nominated them following the constitutional process. Therefore, the recommendations of my government will be final,” Oli told the MPs at the International Convention Centre in New Baneshwor.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari nominated Yubaraj Khatiwada, Ram Narayan Bidari and Bimala Poudel as recommended by the Oli government, after delaying endorsement of the names forwarded by the Deuba-led government.

After Krishna Prasad Poudel, Gopal Basnet and Chadani Joshi, the candidates recommended by the Deuba Cabinet, filed a writ petition, the Supreme Court on February 25 issued an interim order not to administer the oath to the new members. The Apex Court has called both the parties for discussion on Sunday.

At the orientation, Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal highlighted the significance of unification between the two allies. “We are committed to party unity,” he said. Dahal remarked that both the UML and the Maoists had each other’s support as the left alliance reaches this stage of cooperation.

UML leader and former Speaker Subas Nembang urged the lawmakers to play an effective role by following the parliamentary practice.