Rukmangad Katawal

Rukmangad Katawal (File Photo)
A writ petition was filed at the Supreme Court on Monday challenging the government’s decision to appoint Lt Gen Rukmangad Katawal as Chief of the army staff (CoAS).

Advocate Dil Hari Sharma filed the petition against the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Defence Minister and his office and the Army Chief and his office.

Sharma had earlier filed a similar petition immediately after the government appointed Katawal the acting chief of the Nepali Army. Sharma has claimed that Katawal joined the army by producing documents with false date of birth and that he should have retired four years ago.

The appointment of Katawal faced criticism from different quarters saying he was involved in suppression of people’s movement and his appointment will promote the culture of impunity.