KATHMANDU: The government led by Prime Minister Balen Shah has recommended the issuance of two ordinances, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties for bypassing Parliament despite having already called a session.

A Cabinet meeting on Monday decided to recommend to President Ram Chandra Paudel the issuance of ordinances related to cooperatives and the Constitutional Council. According to the President’s press advisor Kiran Pokharel, the proposals are currently under review at the President’s Office. The ordinances were sent from Singha Durbar to Sheetal Niwas on Tuesday afternoon.

Earlier, on April 21, the Cabinet had recommended convening a parliamentary session, which was scheduled for April 30. However, in a sudden reversal the government recommended postponing the session on April 23. Acting on that advice, President Paudel suspended the session before it could begin.

The government is now attempting to move forward with key constitutional appointments through ordinances. The Constitutional Council responsible for recommending appointments such as the Chief Justice includes six members: the Prime Minister, Speaker, Chairperson of the National Assembly, Deputy Speaker, Chief Justice and Leader of the Opposition.

With the Nepali Congress appointing Bhishmaraj Angdembe as its parliamentary leader, the Council has reached full membership. Meanwhile, Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla is seen as a likely candidate for the top judicial post, pending a Council recommendation.

Opposition parties, including Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, have strongly objected to the ordinance route, arguing that introducing ordinances while Parliament is in existence contradicts constitutional principles. UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet said halting Parliament within 24 hours of convening it and opting for ordinances raises serious concerns about democratic norms and the rule of law.

“There appears to be an attempt to push decisions through ordinances despite having a majority in Parliament,” Basnet said, suggesting the move could be aimed at influencing the appointment of a favorable Chief Justice.

The situation has drawn comparisons with former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who frequently relied on ordinances during his tenure moves that were widely criticized at the time. Leaders now in power, including Rabi Lamichhane, had previously opposed such actions, calling them an encroachment on parliamentary authority.

“Was it impossible to wait one or two weeks for Parliament to convene?” Lamichhane had questioned then. “This undermines the spirit of the new mandate.”

The government’s latest move has reignited debate over constitutional norms, separation of powers and the increasing reliance on ordinances in Nepal’s political process.