Supreme Court Directs Alternative Arrangements in Courts During Two-Day Public Holidays

March 11, Kathmandu – The Supreme Court has directed subordinate courts to arrange alternative services for essential functions even during two-day public holidays. In its full court meeting held on Friday, the Supreme Court issued instructions that alternative arrangements must be made for critical services during leave periods exceeding 24 hours and even on Saturdays and Sundays designated as public holidays.

The Supreme Court specifically emphasized the need for such arrangements in cases requiring the issuance of arrest warrants, urgent approvals of arrest warrants, and permissions for detention. This is essential to ensure necessary cases are processed without delay.

According to Article 20(3) of Nepal’s Constitution 2015, any arrested person must be presented before a competent authority within 24 hours without exception. Due to difficulties implementing this provision during weekends and public holidays, the Supreme Court has issued this circular to mandate alternative arrangements.

This directive is binding on all High Courts, subordinate benches, special courts, and all judicial bodies across the country. Similarly, administrative courts, consumer courts, juvenile courts, and other specialized courts are required to strictly adhere to this circular.

The government has recently set office hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, while designating Saturdays and Sundays as public holidays, as per last Sunday’s decision.