The Supreme Court has overturned its previous interim order that had stayed the 30-year service limit for Nepal Police officers.

A division bench of Justices Sharanga Subedi and Binod Sharma on Friday revoked the interim order issued by a single bench of Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal on August 22.

The government had filed a writ petition, seeking to vacate the interim order. The court issued a ruling in accordance with the government’s request after hearing the petition, according to Achyut Kuinkel, spokesperson for the Supreme Court.

A total of 21 Nepal Police officers, including senior superintendents, had filed a writ petition with the apex court, seeking to avoid mandatory retirement under the 30-year service limit. Justice Phuyal’s bench had initially granted an interim order in favour of the petitioners and scheduled a hearing with priority for September 26.

The Ministry of Home Affairs challenged the interim order by filing a petition through the Office of the Attorney General and the court ruled in favour of the government’s position. As a result, the officers affected by the order will now retire starting Sunday, in accordance with the 30-year limit.

If the previous interim order had been upheld, the officers would have continued their service until a final verdict was announced.

Two deputy inspector generals and 12 other armed police officers had also filed a similar petition at the apex court. In response to the additional writ, Justice Subedi’s bench had refused to issue an interim order. The court had requested a written response from the government within 15 days.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision, at least 90 Nepal Police officers, including DIGs, and 16 armed police officers, including two DIGs, will retire starting Sunday.