The Supreme Court’s refusal on Monday to issue a stay order against the constitution amendment bill has drawn cheers from the Madhes-based parties, which claim that the order “validates” the move.

The remarks from the regional parties come at a time when both the governing CPN (Maoist Centre) and Nepali Congress, and the opposition CPN-UML are interpreting the verdict in ways to serve their political interests.

“We welcome the ruling. The apex court has rightly stated that it’s within the rights of the sovereign Parliament to amend the constitution.

The government should take the amendment bill forward without delay,” Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav told the Post.

Leaders of the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, an alliance of seven parties protesting against the constitution, have taken strong exception to the UML’s “misinterpretation” of the court order.

“The UML’s interpretation doesn’t hold water as the court has clearly said Parliament reserves the right to amend all the articles of the constitution including Article 274,” said Yadav, who also leads a broader alliance of Madhesi and Janajati groups.

Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato said the UML should take the opportunity to correct its “erroneous and dangerous position” on constitution amendment rather than prolonging the stalemate.

“The UML is betraying the Madhesi people, who voted them, by standing against their rights. If the party doesn’t change its harsh stance on amendment, a day will come when the people of Madhes will punish the UML,” said Mahato.

Morcha leaders have also warned against the ongoing deliberation among leaders of major parties to push forward the amendment bill, putting the clause on federal boundaries on hold.

“The constitution amendment bill should be forwarded as it is. The issues of the boundaries should not be left out on any pretext,” said Ram Naresh Raya Yadav of the Tarai Madhes Sadbhawana Party.