Supreme Court Invalidates Rabi Lamichhane’s Nepali Citizenship Certificate

The Supreme Court of Nepal has invalidated Rabi Lamichhane’s Nepali citizenship certificate and  annulled his post of lawmaker today. Lamichhane, who renounced US citizenship and joined Nepali politics,  is also the Chairman of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

The constitutional bench of Supreme Court issued the verdict to this regard after hearing the case on Lamichhane’s acquisition of Nepali citizenship and the US passport.

The bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Harikrishna Karki and Justices Bishwombhar Prasad Shrestha, Ishwor Prasad Khatiwada, Dr Anand Mohan Bhattarai and Anil Kumar Sinha issued the verdict.

Lamichhane was elected a Member of the House of Representatives from constituency no 2 of Chitwan in the November 20 election the country held.

With the SC verdict, by-election is to be held in constituency no 2 of Chitwan.

“After giving up the US citizenship, Lamichhane was not found adhering to the legal process to acquire the Nepali citizenship again. So, he did not deserve to be the candidate of the member of House of Representatives nor could hold the lawmaker’s post. With this, a certiorari order is issued as per Article 133 (b and c) and Article 137 of Constitution of Nepal by scrapping all activities as making Lamichhane an election candidate, announcing his election victory, and conferring him the certificate,” the verdict reads.

Lamichhane was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister on December 25.

Lamichhane can reacquire a citizenship certificate by following a due process that requires filling out an application before District Administration Office.

Lamichhane on Friday evening resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs after the Supreme Court invalided his citizenship certificate.