Writ Filed in Supreme Court Seeking Cancellation of NRB Governor Poudel’s Appointment

Advocates Anantaraj Luintel, Bishal Thapa, and Pratibha Upreti filed a writ petition at the Supreme Court demanding the cancellation of the appointment of Dr. Bishwanath Poudel as the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank. The petitioners had previously filed a similar writ, which was dismissed.

According to the Supreme Court administration, the current writ is under review. The petition alleges that Poudel is a politically affiliated individual lacking the required experience in the monetary and banking sectors as stipulated by the Nepal Rastra Bank Act. Although he holds an academic qualification in rural development economics, the petition claims he does not meet the specific qualifications defined in the Act.

Moreover, it has been alleged that the appointment process was pre-planned, as Poudel himself was a member of the recommendation committee, thereby violating legal and good governance norms. Dr. Poudel was appointed by the Council of Ministers on Jestha 6 and assumed office on Jestha 7.