Kathmandu, January 20
The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking to halt the implementation of the National Identity Card, clearing the way for the government to enforce it for various services.
Advocate Ram Bahadur Raul had filed the petition, arguing that introducing the National ID Card across the country simultaneously could inconvenience service seekers. However, the bench of Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, along with Justices Abdul Aziz Musalman and Nrip Dhwaj Niraula, ruled against the petition.
The Supreme Court issued some directive orders through a full bench of three members, as mentioned on its website, though the details of the order are yet to be made public.
Another petition had raised concerns that making the National ID Card mandatory for social security allowances had deprived many citizens of their benefits, calling for its phased implementation. The Supreme Court had initially issued an interim order to halt the immediate enforcement of the provision. In response, the government filed a request to revoke the interim order.
Citing significant legal questions, the Supreme Court referred the case to a full bench of three justices, which later scheduled a hearing and announced its decision.
The government had earlier decided on May 24, 2024, to mandate the National ID Card for social security allowances in 28 districts in the first phase. Plans to expand this to an additional 38 districts from January 15 faced delays due to the legal challenges.
