No, Nepal didn’t get Democracy in 1951 (2007 BS)

I was doing an analysis of events of 1951 when Rana regime was abolished and ‘democracy’ was established. But, it seem to be totally opposite. The Rana seem to be more liberal than the kings. There was a constitution written three years before Rana were thrown out of power. The constitution at least tells that people had fundamental rights. But, after ‘democracy’ was brought in and Rana were kicked out of power, all the fundamental rights were transferred to the King in the second constitution that was promulgated 15-years later.

Video reports about the 2007 BS event and how India used it to its benefit:

The first constitution of Nepal, released in 1948 (2004 BS) had given all the fundamental rights to the citizen of Nepal. Although other following clauses restrict such rights, it had at-least mentioned the supremacy of the citizen. But, the constitution release by the king, in 1962 (2019 BS) transferred all these rights to the King.

Quote from the Constitution of Nepal 1948 (2004 BS) (read full tet here)

By not violating the principles of public morality, in accordingly to the existing and new Act and rules to be made hereunder, is given fundamental rights to the citizens of Nepal that of Personal Liberty, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Publication, Freedom of Assembly or Organization, Freedom of Religion, Equality before the laws, Cheap and Speedy Justice, Free and Compulsory Primary Education through out the country, adult franchise, Right to Protection of Private Property.

Subject to this physical, mental and economic capacity, it shall be the duty of every citizen to promote public welfare, to contribute to public funds, to be in readiness to work physically and mentally for the safety and well being of the Realm and bear true loyalty to His Majesty the King and His Highness Sri 3 Maharaja and be faithful to the State and its legal system

The clause 20 (2) of the constitution of Nepal 1962 (2019BS) says:

The sovereignty of Nepal is vested in His Majesty and all powers-executive, legislative and judicial emanate from Him. These powers are exercised by His Majesty through the organs established by or under this Constitution and other laws for the time being in force keeping in view the interest and wishes of His Majesty’s subjects according to the highest traditions of the Shah dynasty.

In addition to that, there was a clause 90 that says:

Residuary Powers of His Majesty: All inherent powers relating to matters not provided for in this Constitution or in other laws for the time being in force, shall continue to vest in His Majesty.

(Read full text here)

Yes, we didn’t get democracy at that time. Only Indian influence increased and the monarchy started messing up with the Indian government after that.

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