Senior justice Malla assumes acting chief justice role amid ongoing leadership row

Key Points

• Senior-most Justice Sapna Pradhan Malla assumed acting chief justice responsibilities during Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma's official visit to India.
• Malla was bypassed for the Chief Justice position despite seniority, with Sharma appointed instead, leading to tensions within the Supreme Court.
• The Constitutional Council's decision to bypass the top three senior justices broke judicial traditions and sparked legal challenges.
• The strained relationship between Malla and Sharma has caused delays in key judicial appointments and ongoing speculation about reconciliation.