KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress has strongly opposed the recent ordinance related to the Constitutional Council, saying it weakens the constitutional principles of separation of powers, checks and balances, and judicial independence.

In a statement, party spokesperson Devraj Chalise said the provision allowing only three members, including the prime minister, to make decisions enables arbitrary appointments to constitutional bodies and undermines institutional balance.

The party argued that the Constitution envisions the council as a balanced body representing government, opposition, and independent institutions, and cited a Supreme Court ruling stating that decisions by only three members of the six-member council cannot be considered a majority.

Calling the recent chief justice recommendation controversial, the Congress said the prime minister is only a “responsible coordinator, not a king,” warning that such practices could weaken judicial independence and democratic governance.