Nepal amends constitution to allow VP to resume duties

Nepal’s legislature parliament endorsed a seventh amendment to the interim constitution on Thursday evening paving way for the President and Vice President to take oath of office in their mother tongue. Utpal Parashar reports.

Nepal’s legislature parliament endorsed a seventh amendment to the interim constitution on Thursday evening paving way for the President and Vice President to take oath of office in their mother tongue.

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With this move Vice-President-elect Parmanand Jha whose post had remained vacant since September last year following a Supreme Court order will now be able to resume his duties after taking oath for the second time.

Jha had taken oath in Hindi on July 23, 2008. The move was challenged in Supreme Court which termed it unconstitutional and asked him to take a fresh oath within seven days in Nepali.

His refusal to comply with the order led to the post lying defunct for many months. Thursday’s amendment, which was seconded by all but four of the 503 members present, would pave the way for Jha to assume office.

While the interim constitution had prevented the President and Vice President from taking oath of office and secrecy in their mother tongue, it was not the case for any member of parliament who can take oath in language of their choice.

According to sources, Jha would take oath and assume office within a week thus doing away with any confusion over who would be in charge when President Ram Baran Yadav visits India next month.