The demand is being opposed by the main ruling parties, including the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist and the Nepali Congress.

The court verdict was flayed by the vice-president, who called it 'biased'.

'The constitution of Nepal recognises the country as a multi-cultural, multi-lingual nation,' Jha said. 'It does not say that one has to know Nepali to be considered a citizen or hold high office.'

All the Madhesi ministers in the cabinet have taken their oath of office in Hindi; and so have the Madhesi parliamentarians.

Those belonging to indigenous communities have also taken their oath of office in their mother tongues, which are not Nepali.

However, no one has objected to that.

Jha said whether he took fresh oath of office in Hindi would depend on the circumstances.

If it was a case of downright coercion, he said he would stand his ground.

Though Hindi films and songs are immensely popular in Nepal, the language is regarded with wariness by many Nepalis, who identify it with India.