KATHMANDU: Lawmakers from opposition parties have objected to the government’s use of ordinances, accusing it of bypassing Parliament.

Speaking at a meeting of the House of Representatives’ Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee at Singha Durbar on Monday, they said bringing ordinances despite having a near two-thirds majority goes against democratic norms.

Nepali Congress lawmaker Madan Krishna Shrestha said ordinances have long been controversial and urged the government to avoid such practices.

He stressed that rushing ordinances by sidelining Parliament undermines democratic practice, adding that bills should be advanced through adequate discussion in Parliament and committees to ensure wider ownership.

CPN (UML) lawmaker Suhang Nembang also termed the ordinance move a weakness, questioning why the government failed to amend or repeal outdated laws despite holding a clear majority.