Government Focuses on Judicial Reform Amidst Leadership Changes
Summary
The government has pushed judicial reform, bypassing seniority in the recommendation of Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma as Chief Justice and drawing criticism from the Nepal Bar Association. The Ministry of Law has also advanced a broad legislative agenda, including bills on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, company law, and transitional justice.
Key Points
- Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma was recommended as Chief Justice despite bypassing seniority, triggering controversy across the judiciary and parliament.
- The Nepal Bar Association has protested what it says is a break from tradition in forming constitutional benches and judicial appointments.
- A study committee proposed 89 reforms to reduce the Supreme Court’s workload, expand lower-court authority, and improve court administration.
- The Ministry of Law, led by Sobita Gautam, has registered and advanced dozens of bills, ordinances, and regulations, including digital legal tools and transitional justice measures.
