Judges currently reside in the old ministerial residence located in Pulchok, Lalitpur. As the government begins allocating Pulchok quarters for newly appointed ministers, some judges residing there are planning to relocate. The presence of both ministers and judges in the same compound raises concerns about potential impacts on the administration of justice, prompting preparations for alternative housing arrangements. After the ministers moved to the Bhaisepati residence, the Pulchok quarters were designated for judges and the Chief Registrar. However, the Bhaisepati residence became uninhabitable following arson during the January movement. Kathmandu, 15 Chaitra.
Since the government started accommodating new ministers at Pulchok quarters, certain judges have started planning their relocation, at least temporarily. The prospect of ministers and judges sharing the same compound led to efforts to devise alternative arrangements, as it might affect the impartiality and functioning of the judiciary. Ministers shifted to a newly established, well-equipped residence in Bhaisepati, after which the Pulchok residence has been occupied by judges.
The arson attack during the January movement caused significant damage to the new ministerial residences in Bhaisepati. Except for the Defense Minister’s residence, all others became unsuitable for habitation. Following the January movement, the interim government designated all ministerial residences as minister quarters. A Supreme Court judge stated, “Currently, renovation and repainting are underway in at least five houses in the Pulchok quarters. Some ministers will move in soon,” he added, “While those of us living outside have no problem, judges residing there have started feeling uncomfortable.”
According to a judge residing at the Pulchok residence, judges are discussing two options. One is to live nearby, though frequent visits and meetings raise concerns about potentially compromising judicial independence, so efforts to regulate this matter are ongoing. “Such arrangements relate to the code of conduct, so it would be difficult to live that way,” the judge explained, “but moving out from here is also problematic, so we remain uncertain.” There are currently 19 buildings in the Pulchok quarters, connected to the Harihar Bhawan compound. Since the Chief Justice resides at the Baluwatar residence and some judges live in their own homes, not all quarters are in use.
