'The chief of the army (Gen Rookmangud Katawal) was named in a law suit three years ago,' he said.

The general is accused of falsifying his date of birth and, according to the petitioner, should have been retired much earlier.

'However, even though his term ends next month and he has virtually gone into retirement, the court dared not take up the priority case fearing the political fallout since the army chief has the support of the ruling parties.

'On the other hand, they picked on my case when the focus should be on drafting a new constitution.'

Jha said the court doesn't have the right to dismiss him. It can only make him `sit in inactivity'.

'As per the constitution, only the constituent assembly can remove me,' he said. 'However, the impeachment motion has to be passed by two-third of the (601) members.'

The Terai party that had helped him become vice-president, the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum, is asking Jha to resign instead of taking the oath again in Hindi.

The Maoists, the biggest party in parliament, are also urging him to quit.

On the other hand, President Ram Baran Yadav, called him twice this week, urging him to end the controversy and be sworn in again, advice that Jha has rejected.

'In politics, there are developments every hour,' Jha said. 'I will announce Friday what I intend to do.'