Tika R Pradhan

The Supreme Court has refused to issue an interlocutory order to the government for allowing in Nepalis stranded at the Nepal-India border due to the closure of crossings as part of the lockdown on both sides over coronavirus fears. 

Hundreds of Nepalis have been stranded at several international border points. They are demanding the government allow them to enter and have agreed to stay in quarantine facilities. 

A single bench of Justice Hari Krishna Karki refused the interim order but issued a show-cause notice to the government while inviting both parties for a discussion on Monday. 

“Considering the sensitivity of the writ petition, it would be better to take a decision regarding the interim order only after discussing [the matter] with both the parties. Make necessary arrangements for next hearing on Monday,” states the court’s decision. 

As many as six lawyers from Sudurpaschim Province filed a petition at the top court on Wednesday demanding an interim order to the government, arguing that the authorities cannot stop Nepali workers from returning home. 

A total of 26 advocates had pleaded in favour of the petitioners stressing the possibility of Nepalis living on the Indian side of the border facing misbehaviour. 

“Lawyers have also pleaded that Nepalis are dying to reach their homes and they could also be mistreated there,” said advocate Manish Kumar Shrestha, one of the writ petitioners. “We are disheartened by the court’s decision as a large number of Nepalis have been urging the government to allow citizens to enter the country.”

Published on: 2 April 2020 | The Kathmandu Post