Judge who dropped charges against Rabi Lamichhane recommended for four-day high court tenure
Summary
The Judicial Council has recommended district judge Himal Belbase for appointment as a high court judge just four days before his mandatory retirement, raising questions over seniority and the timing of the move. The recommendation has also drawn controversy because Belbase’s bench recently modified the charges in the Rabi Lamichhane case.
Key Points
- The Judicial Council recommended district judge Himal Belbase for a high court post only four days before his retirement age limit, bypassing seniority concerns.
- Belbase is under scrutiny because his bench recently removed organized crime and money laundering charges in the Rabi Lamichhane case while retaining cooperative fraud charges.
- Officials have not disclosed the basis for the recommendation, citing confidentiality.
- The move has been described by some judicial and Supreme Court officials as a possible reward for the Lamichhane ruling.
