Sapana Pradhan Malla

Dr. Manoj Sharma has been appointed the new Chief Justice of Nepal's Supreme Court, assuming office despite questions surrounding his appointment bypassing seniority. The Constitutional Council's recommendation of Sharma, a fourth-ranking justice, over the senior-most acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla has sparked debate about judicial independence and the separation of powers.

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmakers in the House of Representatives have objected to an order by Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla to register writ petitions against the Constitutional Council's recommendation for Chief Justice. MPs Yagyamani Neupane and Samiksha Baskota argued that the order deviated from legal precedent and suggested a conflict of interest, while other MPs raised concerns about discussing judicial matters in parliament.

The Supreme Court's atmosphere has become peaceful and judicial work is proceeding smoothly following the return of Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma to the bench after a 12-day absence. Sharma resumed his duties on Wednesday, sitting on a joint bench with Justice Shrikant Poudel and hearing cases, ending an "undeclared stalemate" that had emerged due to seniority disputes among judges.

Manoj Sharma has officially assumed office as the new Chief Justice at the Supreme Court in Kathmandu, following his appointment. However, the ceremony was marked by the absence of key figures, including the acting Chief Justice and representatives from the Nepal Bar Association, who are protesting the alleged disregard for judicial seniority in his appointment.