Biratnagar and Birgunj have once again been declared metropolises, days after a Supreme Court order said changing number and boundaries of local units in the middle of the two phases of elections is against the law.

A Cabinet meeting on Wednesday decided to declare Birgunj and Biratnagar metropolises without tweaking the number and boundaries of local units within them. 

“Hence the decision does not violate the Supreme Court order,” said a minister after Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting. 

A May 22 government decision to increase the number of local units in Tarai districts, elevate 24 village councils to the status of municipalities and declare Birgunj and Biratnagar metropolises was stayed by the apex court. (PR)