KATHMANDU: Supreme Court has recognized the leadership of the Nepali Congress team headed by President Gagan Thapa, dismissing a writ petition filed by former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba and senior leader Purna Bahadur Khadka.

In its ruling, the court endorsed the Election Commission’s decision to grant official status to the Thapa-led team, which was elected through a special general convention. The verdict effectively settles the internal party dispute that had been ongoing since March.

A joint bench of Justices Sharanga Subedi and Nripadhwaj Niraula issued the order following hearings held on Thursday and Friday, bringing a legal conclusion to the months-long power struggle within the Nepali Congress party.

Deuba and Khadka had filed the petition seeking to overturn the Election Commission’s decision. Earlier, a single bench of Justice Suyonil Kumar Pokharel had refused to issue an interim order.

Meanwhile, the Thapa-led leadership has already announced plans to hold the party’s general convention. In response, Deuba filed another petition, demanding a stay on the implementation of the convention schedule.