KATHMANDU: Supreme Court of Nepal has directed the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Secretariat to hand over all administrative control to a high-level committee led by Shesh Ghale within seven days for election purposes.

In a letter issued by the Supreme Court’s Implementation Directorate, the Secretariat has been instructed to transfer all office assets, including staff administration, cash, and documents, to facilitate the election of a new executive committee.

Currently, the NRNA Secretariat is operated by the executive committee led by President Badri KC, who was elected through the association’s general convention. The directive follows a Supreme Court ruling on March 3, 2024, which mandated the transition.

The court has also instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assign a first-class officer to oversee the handover process. The decision traces back to the 81st executive meeting under former President Kumar Pant, which had formed the high-level committee led by Ghale to organize a unity convention.

Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling recognizing Ghale’s leadership and authorizing new elections, some committee members had failed to attend meetings. Following a petition, the court has now directed the Secretariat to ensure the presence of all committee members. The letter warns that non-compliance would be considered contempt of court and failure to execute a judicial order.