Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli File photo: Xinhua

Nepal's top court on Wednesday was to begin hearings on petitions challenging Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli's sudden decision to dissolve the parliament, a move that has triggered public outrage and has been labeled unconstitutional.

In their plea before the Supreme Court, politicians, activists and lawyers are questioning whether it is the legitimate right of the leader to dissolve the parliament, 18 months before schedule.

Oli, 68, cited internal squabbling within his ruling party and lack of political unity as reasons behind his December 20 decision.

His colleagues and opposition political parties have blamed Oli for derailing a stable government amid a pandemic that has triggered an economic downturn.

Seven ministers have quit Oli's government to oppose his move and protesters in December burnt effigies of him.

"The constitution duly defines and delimits the power of the prime minister," said Dinesh Tripathi, an independent petitioner.

"It does not give Oli the prerogative to cause an untimely death to parliament at his will," he said.

The five-member constitutional bench of the Supreme Court, including the chief justice, will hear at least 13 petitions questioning the rights of the prime minister.

Officials working with Oli said his move was in line with the constitution.

If the court upholds Oli's move, Nepal will hold elections in the summer of 2021. If not, parliament will be reinstated.