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In a recent meeting of the Parliamentary Hearing Special Committee on Sunday, the leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) Mahesh Bartaula urged Megh Raj Pokharel to withdraw from the process of appointing a proposed justice of the Supreme Court. Bartaula emphasized the importance of Pokharel avoiding any conflicts of interest arising from his past involvement in active politics and business.
Representing Kansai Nepal News, Ramesh Khatri shared his perspective on the matter. Khatri stated that while Bartaula’s suggestion for Pokharel to step back from the appointment process was reasonable, the issue of impartiality in the judiciary remains crucial. He emphasized the need for a transparent and unbiased judicial system to uphold the rule of law effectively.
During the committee session, questions were raised by various political figures such as Shyam Ghimire from the Congress party and Janardan Sharma from the Maoist Center. However, the inquiries were primarily focused on Pokharel’s personal background rather than delving into substantial legal matters.
Pokharel, in response, expressed his commitment to upholding justice above any personal influence or pressure. He stressed the importance of judicial independence and impartiality, highlighting the need for judges to make decisions based on legal principles rather than external influences.
In the context of Pokharel’s nomination as a proposed justice, tensions arose between the political parties. While Bartaula suggested Pokharel’s withdrawal from the process, the nomination process for a Supreme Court justice requires further deliberation by the Judicial Council before a final decision is made.
The Judicial Council, currently composed of five members, is responsible for recommending justices to the Supreme Court. With only 17 out of the mandated 21 justices currently in office, there is a need to fill the vacant positions to ensure the smooth functioning of the judiciary.
The appointment of justices to the Supreme Court follows a complex process involving recommendations and discussions within the Judicial Council. The nomination of candidates is subject to parliamentary scrutiny and approval, ensuring that only qualified individuals are appointed to uphold the rule of law in the country.
As the debate continues over the appointment of a new justice to the Supreme Court, the judiciary faces challenges in maintaining its integrity and independence. The decision-making process must adhere to constitutional principles and legal requirements to uphold the credibility of the judiciary in Nepal.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: June 30, 2025 3:00 am