The Supreme Court has issued a short-term interim order preventing the government from enforcing its revised criteria that would allow individuals over the age of 65 to be appointed as officials or members of public bodies.

This move follows the Ministry of Finance’s recent amendment to the guidelines for appointments and nominations related to public bodies under its jurisdiction. The ministry's revision specifically opened the door for those above 65 to be appointed, coinciding with the ongoing process to appoint a new Governor for Nepal Rastra Bank.

Advocate Bishal Thapa filed a writ petition challenging the amendment. In response, a single bench of Justice Nityananda Pandey issued the interim order, scheduling a hearing for a full interim decision on April 20.

Supreme Court spokesperson Achyut Kharel stated that both the petitioner and the government have been summoned for the upcoming hearing. He confirmed the bench has instructed that the revised age limit provision not be implemented in the meantime.

The amended guidelines affect 15 public institutions, including Nepal Rastra Bank, the Securities Board of Nepal, and the Insurance Board.