The Supreme Court on Sunday stayed the order of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, directing traffic police to deploy traffic rule violators for traffic management.

Govinda Ghimire, information officer of the Supreme Court, said a single bench of Justice Til Prasad Shrestha issued an interim order not to implement the ministerial-level decision.

Last week, the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office began deploying individuals who were booked for traffic rules violations, including drunk driving, as rule keepers.

Home Minister Lamichhane also announced on social media on Tuesday that women traffic officials will receive four-day menstrual leave, and those booked for violating traffic rules will be deployed as volunteers in their place.

The apex court was responding to a writ petition filed by seven youths, who alleged that the home ministry’s act violated citizens’ rights to live with dignity and move freely. The petitioners argued the decision mocked the rule of law, contravened the principles of natural justice, and violated the principles and fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

Experts termed the home ministry’s decision as irrational.