Nepal’s Ambassador to Germany, Shail Rupakheti, has resigned from his post after months of controversy surrounding the government’s decision to recall ambassadors.

His resignation, submitted on Wednesday, was accepted by Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal on Thursday. The earlier decision by the Sushila Karki-led government to recall ambassadors from 11 countries had been challenged in the Supreme Court of Nepal, which ordered the move not to be implemented.

Following the court’s order, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had required the concerned ambassadors to report to the ministry instead of stepping down. 

In his resignation letter, Rupakheti said he respected the court’s directive and returned to Nepal to report to the ministry as instructed. He also stated that he had forfeited all salary and benefits for the period since leaving his diplomatic post abroad.