Supreme Court nominations trigger backlash over seniority, inclusivity
Summary
The Judicial Council has recommended four judges for the Supreme Court, triggering backlash over bypassed seniority, incomplete nominations, and concerns about inclusivity. Legal leaders say the process was arbitrary and could undermine judicial independence.
Key Points
- The Judicial Council, led by Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma, recommended four judges for Supreme Court vacancies despite objections from two council members.
- Sapana Pradhan Malla and Mahesh Nepal raised concerns over constitutionality, transparency, seniority, and inclusivity.
- Nepal Bar Association President Bijay Prasad Mishra condemned the move as arbitrary and warned it could weaken judicial independence.
- The nominations now go to the Parliamentary Hearing Committee for approval under Nepal’s constitutional process.
