KATHMANDU, Feb 25: The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday issued an interim order against the government´s decision to sack Kathmandu Valley Town Development Authority (KVTDA) Commissioner Keshav Sthapit from his post.
Terming the government decision to sack Sthapit ´illegal´, a division bench of justices Ram Kumar Prasad Sah and Sushila Karki ordered the government to allow Sthapit to work in the capacity of KVTDA commissioner.
The SC said sacking Sthapit without giving a chance to furnish clarification is against the principle of natural justice.
Arguing that his removal is illegal, Sthapit on January 21 had filed a writ petition at the apex court. The government on January 17 had sacked him and appointed Yogeshwar Krishna Parajuli to the post.
A cabinet meeting held on April 27, 2012 had decided to appoint Sthapit as the head of KVTDA. He was given an appointment letter by the government two days after the cabinet decision.
Sthapit had tabled various agenda on development of the capital city on May 9, 2012. After his performance came under question, he was asked to submit a progress report on January 1, 2013. Sthapit on January 6 had submitted a 17-page report before probe committees were formed by the government.
Sthapit had stated that the three different probe committees did not give him any chance to furnish clarification. He was sacked as Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai was reportedly unhappy with Sthapit´s working style.
The prime minister, his office, newly appointed commissioner of KVTDA Parajuli, Ministry of Physical Planning and Works, Ministry of Finance and KVTDA, among others have been made defendants in the petition.
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