Chief Justice Dr. Manojkumar Sharma has taken office after being sworn in by President Ramchandra Paudel. The Constitutional Council had decided to appoint Sharma, ranked fourth among six nominees recommended by the Judicial Council, as the Chief Justice. The Nepal Bar Association has opposed Sharma’s nomination, raising concerns about the independence and transparency of the judiciary.
May 19, Kathmandu – Dr. Manojkumar Sharma has assumed the position of Chief Justice. Following his swearing-in by President Ramchandra Paudel, he proceeded to the Supreme Court to formally take office. He was approved earlier today through a parliamentary hearing, after which the oath ceremony was conducted immediately.
The Constitutional Council selected Judge Sharma, currently fourth in seniority at the Supreme Court, from among six candidates submitted by the Judicial Council. This decision broke the tradition of seniority, leading to questions regarding the judiciary’s independence and transparency, with opposition from groups including the Nepal Bar Association. The most senior judge at the Supreme Court, Sapana Pradhan Malla, was widely expected to be appointed as Chief Justice based on seniority.
The government had facilitated the approval of their preferred candidate by issuing an ordinance related to the Constitutional Council, which allowed the Prime Minister to create a favorable environment for endorsement. The ordinance included a provision enabling decisions with agreement from just three out of the six council members. Shortly after the ordinance was issued, the Constitutional Council convened and recommended Sharma’s name for the position.
