February 24: The Supreme Court has ordered the reinstatement of the House of Representatives, dealing a severe blow to the KP Oli-led government.

The apex court on Tuesday (February 23)  revoked the decision of the government to dissolve the lower house more than two months ago due to internal dispute within the ruling party.

“The recommendation for the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the notice dissolving Parliament have been rejected by the honourable justices,” Reuters quoted Supreme Court Registrar Bhadrakali Pokharel as saying.

The court verdict states that House of Representatives has been reinstated as it is able and competent to perform its work.

The constitutional bench of the Supreme Court also ordered to convene the lower house within 13 days.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari had dissolved the parliament on December 20 upon the recommendation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s cabinet and announced mid-term election for April 30 and May 10.

The court ruling means PM Oli faces a no-confidence vote once parliament resumes.

The constitutional bench was presided over by chief justice Cholendra SJB Rana, Justices Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha, Anil Kumar Sinha, Sapana Pradhan Malla and Tej Bahadur KC.