The Supreme Court has quashed a writ petition challenging the inquiry commission investigating the September 8–9 incidents.

A bench of justices Manoj Kumar Sharma, Nahakul Subedi and Shreekanta Paudel on Friday rejected the petition and issued an order.

Advocate Bipin Dhakal, on November 4, filed the petition at the apex court, questioning the impartiality and legitimacy of the commission and naming its chair, Gauri Bahadur Karki, and members Bigyanraj Sharma and Bishweshwar Prasad Bhandari as defendants.

The petition argued that Karki and Sharma had expressed views on the subject of the investigation in advance, showing their bias and therefore unfit to serve in the commission. It claimed that the officials could not act impartially as they had already made their positions public instead of exercising a judicial judgement.

The government in September formed the inquiry commission under the leadership of former Special Court chair Karki to investigate loss of life and property following the Gen Z movement. Former additional inspector general Sharma and advocate Bhandari, who has worked with United Nations agencies, are members of the commission.

With the Supreme Court’s decision, commission officials can continue their work without obstruction as it proceeds with recording statements. The commission has summoned former home minister Ramesh Lekhak to testify. The Congress leader has said he would be present before the commission and record his statement.

The Karki commission, which was formed in the third week of September, was given a three-month period to study and submit the report. The government extended the deadline by one more month last week.