The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the government to suspend the survey licence issued to TBI Holding for the Tamakoshi 3 Hydropower Project. TBI Holding is owned by Bhaban Bhatta, recently elected president of the Non-Resident Nepali Association.

Issuing an interim order, the apex court told the Ministry of Energy to put the permit on hold until November 15. The ministry and TBI Holding have both been summoned to a hearing to decide whether to continue the suspension.

The apex court issued the order in response to a writ filled by lawyer Subash Budhathoki on Tuesday seeking a stay order against the government’s decision to award the 650 MW project to TBI Holding without competitive bidding. Budhathoki has accused the ministry of violating the Public Procurement Act and constitutional provisions when it awarded the licence to TBI Holding.