Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court (SC) has asked the government to submit a written response within 15 days on its decision to provide facilities to office-bearers and members of the Federal Parliament.

A single bench of Justice Binod Sharma issued the order on Monday. The apex court issued a 15-day show-cause order in the name of the defendants including the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

Advocate Silwal has argued that the amendment made under the Act-2073 BS to provide personal secretaries, private secretariat and employees facilities to the lawmakers was against the law.

The petitioner had also sought an interim order to stop the implementation of the decision. However, the Supreme Court has rejected the demand saying that there is no need to issue an interim order immediately.

“It appears that the government has changed the schedule by publishing a notice in the Nepal Gazette as per the powers given by Clause 25 of the Remuneration and Facilities of Office-bearers and Members of the Federal Parliament, 2073 BS,” the court said in the order.

The government had added the provisions related to personal secretary, private secretariat and employee facilities for the parliamentarians by publishing a notice in the gazette. Advocate Silwal has moved the apex court arguing that the provision will put additional financial burden on the state coffers and is against the letter and spirit of the law.

Now, after the defendants submit their written reply within 15 days, further hearing on the petition will proceed.