Nepal’s Supreme Court has recognised the faction led by Gagan Thapa as the official Nepali Congress, dismissing a challenge from the group led by former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. A division bench of Justices Saranga Subedi and Nripa Dhwoj Niroula yesterday upheld the Election Commission’s decision to validate the party’s Central Working Committee formed under Thapa’s leadership following a special general convention held in Kathmandu in January. Thapa was elected as the Nepali Congress president in a special general convention from January 11 to 14 in Kathmandu, which was challenged by the Deuba-led faction. 

 

The Deuba faction had contested both the convention and the Commission’s recognition, calling them unconstitutional. The court’s ruling rejects those claims and affirms the legitimacy of Thapa’s leadership. Thapa, who was elected party president earlier this year, continues in the role after his resignation offer following the party’s recent electoral defeat was rejected.