नेपाली
Kathmandu , Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma has officially taken the oath of office as the Chief Justice of Nepal after receiving parliamentary endorsement. The oath was administered by President Ram Chandra Poudel.
According to Supreme Court of Nepal spokesperson Arjun Koirala, Sharma is also scheduled to assume office later today.
The Constitutional Council had selected Sharma from a list of six names recommended by the Judicial Council. At the time of recommendation, Sharma was the fourth senior-most justice in the Supreme Court.
The decision sparked criticism from legal and political circles, with concerns raised over judicial independence and transparency. Nepal Bar Association and other stakeholders have objected to the recommendation, arguing that the long-standing tradition of seniority in appointing the Chief Justice was overlooked.
Senior-most Supreme Court Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla had been viewed as the leading contender for the position. However, the Constitutional Council recommended Sharma instead, triggering controversy within the judiciary.
The government had earlier introduced an ordinance related to the Constitutional Council, allowing decisions to be made even if only three members of the six-member council were present. Following the ordinance, the council convened and recommended Sharma’s name for the post.
Leaders including opposition figure Bhishmaraj Angdembe and National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Dahal reportedly expressed disagreement with Sharma’s recommendation. Despite objections from two council members, the Constitutional Council moved forward with the decision.
