President Ramchandra Paudel has authenticated the ordinance on the Constitutional Council (Functions, Duties, Powers and Procedures) after the government resent it without revisions.

The President had returned the ordinance last week, seeking reconsideration. A Cabinet meeting on Monday decided to resend it in its existing form, leading to its authentication on Tuesday.

Paudel had expressed concerns that decisions of the six-member council should reflect a majority of all members, not just those present. His aides said he maintained the same position as in earlier disputes over similar provisions.

The ordinance allows meetings with at least four members and decisions by a majority of those present. Critics say this enables decisions by three members, falling short of a majority of the full council.

Under existing law, a quorum requires five members, and decisions must initially be unanimous. If consensus fails, a majority of the full membership is required in a subsequent meeting.

Legal experts say the constitution allows the President to return an ordinance once but obliges authentication if it is resent. “Once recommended again, the President is bound to approve it,” said senior advocate Chandra Kanta Gyawali.

Government sources defended the move, saying the amendment was needed to prevent deadlock in appointments to constitutional bodies, even in the face of opposition.