KATHMANDU: Lawmakers from opposition parties have objected to the government’s decision to introduce an ordinance, accusing it of bypassing Parliament.

Speaking at a meeting of the House of Representatives’ Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee held at Singha Durbar on Monday, opposition members said that bringing an ordinance despite having a near two thirds majority undermines democratic norms and parliamentary practice.

Nepali Congress lawmaker Madan Krishna Shrestha said ordinances have been controversial in the past and urged the government not to repeat such practices.

He stressed that rushing an ordinance by sidelining Parliament goes against democratic principles. Shrestha added that if bills are discussed thoroughly in Parliament and its committees, they are more likely to gain broader ownership and acceptance.

Similarly, CPN-UML lawmaker Suhang Nembang said there were shortcomings in both the ordinance process and the handling of issues concerning landless (squatter) communities. He questioned what prevented the government despite its clear majority from amending or repealing outdated laws through Parliament.

Nembang warned that bypassing Parliament through ordinances weakens democratic values, parliamentary norms, and constitutional integrity.

He also emphasized that while there is consensus on the need to resolve the problems of landless citizens, solutions must be constitutional, lawful, humane, and include proper alternatives and rehabilitation measures.

He added that the government should act with greater sensitivity when addressing citizens’ rights.