Government defends appointment of Katawal
Though the government is facing criticism for appointing Rookmangud Katawal as the Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS), the government has claimed that he was appointed for the post in accordance with the law.
Responding to show cause notices issued by the Supreme Court (SC), the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PMO) and the Ministry of Defense told the SC that the appointment was done as per the law and need and interest of the Nepal government.
According to reports, secretary of the PMO, Madhav Poudel, and Defense Secretary, Bishnu Dutta Upreti, separately submitted written replies in the apex court in this regard.
"The Council of Ministers has the authority to appoint eligible individuals to different posts to maintain law and order situation in the country," the PMO's written reply said, adding, "The government's authority to make appointments cannot be challenged in the SC."
Accusing Katawal of faking his date of birth while joining the service, advocate Dilhari Sharma had filed the petition.
Various rights organizations also protested the government's decision of appointing Katawal for the post, alleging that he was involved in suppression of the pro-democracy movement of the country.
The High level commission formed to probe the atrocities committed to suppress the April movement also recommended the government to take action against Katawal. nepalnews.com pb Nov 30 06
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