Kathmandu, Jan. 20 -- The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday declined to issue an interim order in a case challenging the Election Commission's decision to recognise the Gagan Thapa-led leadership of the Nepali Congress, effectively allowing the status quo to continue.

Hearing a writ petition filed by Sher Bahadur Deuba and Purna Bahadur Khadka, a single bench of Justice Sunil Kumar Pokharel refused the request for interim relief but summoned both rival factions of the party for discussions. The court, however, issued a show-cause order to the Election Commission, seeking clarification on its decision.

With the court declining interim intervention, the legal validity granted to the Thapa faction by the EC remains intact for the time being.

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