KATHMANDU, March 8: In a recent ruling on the citizenship case of former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, the Supreme Court has confirmed that Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) can only enjoy social, economic and cultural rights, and not rights politicians. The high court has cited the provisions of the Constitution of Nepal, stating that there are no political rights for NRNs. The verdict is based on Article 14 of the Constitution of Nepal, which grants non-resident citizenship to people who have acquired the citizenship of a foreign country, have resided outside the countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and have a Nepali lineage. . Such persons may only enjoy economic, social and cultural rights in accordance with federal law.
The sentence has put an end to any ambiguity about the political rights of the NRNs. The decision emphasizes that NRNs cannot participate in the country’s political affairs, including voting or participating in elections. However, they can still contribute to the development of the country through social and economic means.
The decision is expected to have a significant impact on the Nepali diaspora, particularly those who hold non-resident citizenship. The Nepalese government has been encouraging the country’s diaspora to invest in the country and contribute to its development. With the ruling, the government’s focus is likely to shift towards promoting the social and economic rights of NRNs rather than political rights.
Overall, the Supreme Court decision highlights the importance of the Nepalese Constitution in determining the rights of NRNs. Although NRNs can still contribute to the development of the country, their political rights remain restricted.
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