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The constitutional bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday conducted a preliminary hearing on the writ petitions filed against the formation of the present government, and dissolution of the House of Representatives (HoR). 

The bench denied an interim order as demanded by the petitioners, but sought a written response from the defendants including the Office of the President, seeking reason why the interim order could not be issued against government formation and HoR dissolution. 

A week's time has been given by the court to furnish the written responses.

Nearly one-and-half-dozen writ petitions were filed against the formation of interim government and HoR dissolution, making defendants to various sides, including the Office of the President. 

On behalf of the petitioners, senior advocates and advocates argued that the formation of government by inducting former Chief Justice Sushila Karki and former judge at Supreme Court, Anil Kumar Sinha, was against the Constitution. 

Senior advocate Tikaram Bhattarai, former Chairman of Nepal Bar Association, Gopal Krishna Ghimire, and advocate Khamma Bahadur Khati, pleaded that the government was unconstitutional and it must not take decisions having long term importance.

The constitutional bench comprising Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, justices Sapana Pradhan Malla, Kumar Regmi, Hari Prasad Phunyal and Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma conducted the hearing on Wednesday. 

Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Kulman Ghising, who is presently in New Delhi, India, to attend the 8th General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance, held a meeting today with India’s Power Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar.

During the meeting, the two ministers discussed Nepal-India energy cooperation, power trade,  expansion of transmission lines, progress on Nepal’s under-construction power projects funded by India, and the long-term power partnership between the two countries, according to Minister Ghising’s secretariat.

Meanwhile, Nepal and India have signed a joint venture (JV) and shareholder agreement for the construction of two cross-border transmission lines. 

According to the Ministry of Energy, the agreement aims to construct 400 kV cross-border transmission lines connecting Inaruwa–Purnia and Lamki–Dodhara–Bareli.

Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Deputy Executive Director Subhash Kumar Mishra and Chief Operating Officer Sanjay Kumar Gupta at Power Grid Corporation of India Limited signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides, in the presence of the two ministers. 

On the occasion, Minister Ghising described the agreement as a significant achievement for bilateral and regional power trade. 

He stated that it will help Nepal gain access to the international energy market and attract domestic and foreign investment in Nepal’s hydropower development and expansion sectors, urging India to further invest in the sector.

Minister Khattar expressed the view that once the two additional cross-border transmission lines are completed, the electricity exchange process between Nepal and India will become smoother. 

He added that it would enhance regional energy security through a stronger grid and contribute to the economic growth of both countries.

Earlier, on October 16, the Cabinet had approved granting the authority to establish two joint companies: one in Nepal and one in India for the construction of transmission lines, with investment from both NEA and Power Grid Corporation of India. 

The Cabinet also approved making equity investments in these companies.

US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R Thompson paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal at Singha Durbar on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they discussed various issues of bilateral relations.

The US Ambassador appreciated the Ministry efforts, the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force on restoring peace and security across the country. 

On the occasion, Ambassador Thompson showed concern over land acquisition obstacles in a few sections under the MCC project. He also inquired on the refugee issues in the meeting, according to the Home Ministry. 

In response, Home Minister Aryal informed that the situation was gradually improving each day due to good coordination among all agencies. The renewed trust between public and security forces has been fruitful in restoring stability and security, he added.

Nepal respects basic human rights for all, he said, adding that the government is committed to upholding the commitments of the previous government and Parliament and assured to expedite the issues after necessary consultation.

Aryal further informed that the Ministry was in consultation with the Election Commission to assess the security requirements for the March 5 election.

Sixteen representatives from political parties and 14 from the Gen-Z group are expected to participate in the tripartite talks convened by Prime Minister Sushila Karki for 4pm today.

Office-bearers and second-tier leaders of major political parties represented in the dissolved House of Representatives are expected to attend the discussions at the Prime Minister's official residence at Baluwatar.

The Prime Minister's Secretariat said that the agenda includes discussions on creating an overall environment for the elections scheduled for March 5, 2026, forging political understanding, and other related matters.

The government has been holding a series of talks and discussions with the concerned parties regarding the successful conduction of the House of Representatives election on the announced date.

Earlier, discussions were held on October 21 between the government and political parties at the invitation of Prime Minister Karki. Similarly, discussions have taken place between Prime Minister Karki and the Gen-Z group in the presence of President Ram Chandra Paudel in that connection.