KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court has issued a show-cause order on the government’s decision to remove squatters from public land and has summoned both sides for discussion.

A single bench of Justice Shanti Singh Thapa, in a preliminary hearing, directed the government to submit a written explanation.

The move comes after the government began clearing settlements built on public land from Friday, prompting a writ petition seeking an interim order.

The government has launched eviction drives in areas such as Thapathali and Manohara in Kathmandu, using bulldozers to clear settlements labeled as squatters.

Eleven petitioners, including Gopal Ranpahali and others, filed the writ on Friday, arguing the eviction was unlawful. However, the court did not issue an interim order.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Balen Shah has said the government will manage and resettle the squatters and may also provide land. He also shared flood-related images on social media, urging people not to forget past disasters.

The Supreme Court and High Court have previously ruled that squatters should be relocated to proper settlements before eviction.