Secular Republic of Nepal is born

Half an hour before the stroke of midnight today, Nepal became a Republic. The transition to "a secular, federal, democratic, republic nation" was formalised with a resolution moved by Home Minister K P Sitaula and right away passed by 560 votes against four by the newly-sworn in Constituent Assembly.

Minutes later, the Royal Standard flying atop the Narayanhiti palace - home to five kings so far - was brought down by palace officials.

The transition to a democracy means abolition of the monarchy and dethronement of King Gyanendra, with all the privileges of the royal family taken away with immediate effect. He will have no rights in social, political, cultural or religious fields more than what any Nepali citizen is entitied to.

However, constitutional experts raised some concern about the speed with which the resolution was passed, without members being allowed to record their objections. "It is unheard of, unacceptable and unconstitutional that such an important resolution was passed in such a shabby manner," constitutional lawyer Bipin Adhikari told The lndian Express.

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