Nepal, Nov. 11 -- The Supreme Court on Monday issued an interim order to maintain the status quo regarding the recent appointment of Madhesh Province Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav, observing that the process appeared to be prima facie unconstitutional.

Hearing on a writ petition filed against the new chief minister's appointment, a single bench of Justice Tek Prasad Dhungana issued the order, preventing Yadav-who was appointed and sworn in at a hotel in Bardibas-from carrying out his official duties until the final verdict.

The court stated that the appointment decision by Province Head Sumitra Subedi Bhandari raised serious constitutional questions that must be clarified before any irreversible actions are taken.

The order further ...