Kathmandu, Jan. 25 -- The Supreme Court has refused to issue an interim order in a writ petition filed by Reshamlal Chaudhary, patron of the Nagarik Unmukti Party Nepal, challenging the cancellation of his candidacy by the Election Commission (EC).

A single bench of Justice Balkrishna Dhakal on Sunday ordered the electoral authority to submit a written response to the petition. The court has also summoned both sides for a discussion on the interim order. With the court declining to grant immediate relief, Chaudhary will not be able to contest the election.

Chaudhary had registered his direct candidacy from Kailali-1 for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. However, the Election Commission cancelled his nomination...