Supreme Court Judge Appointments Prioritize Career Judges Amidst Controversy
Summary
The Judicial Council is preparing to prioritize career judges from the High Court for vacant Supreme Court seats, amid renewed controversy over direct appointments from the legal practitioner background. The move comes as four Supreme Court positions are set to fall vacant and more than 25,000 cases remain pending.
Key Points
- The Judicial Council is preparing to appoint High Court career judges to vacant Supreme Court posts first, citing past controversy over direct appointments from the legal practitioner background.
- Four Supreme Court judge positions will become vacant, including the retirement of Justice Til Prasad Shrestha on August 30, while more than 25,000 cases remain pending.
- Nepal Bar Association General Secretary Kedar Koirala argues that legal practitioners should not be completely sidelined and says the constitution allows their appointment.
- The Judicial Council is also preparing to amend its regulations, while disputes over judge appointments and seniority rules continue.
