BIRATNAGAR: Former Chief Justice (CJ) Kalyan Shrestha has been honored with the prestigious “Krishna Prasad Koirala Memorial Council” award in recognition of his outstanding service in various capacities during his tenure.

Nepali Congress influential leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala honored former CJ Shrestha with the award in a ceremony organized by the “Pitaji Krishna Prasad Koirala Memorial Council” in Biratnagar on Tuesday.

Former Chief Justice Shrestha appreciated the Council for the award while underscoring the importance of delivering tangible benefits and achievements to the people in the context of federalism.

Speaking on the occasion, he emphasized that federalism should bring benefits and achievements to the people.

He stressed the importance of the party being earnest in addressing the problems faced by citizens in a democratic society and urged political parties to address citizens’ concerns seriously within the framework of democracy.

Addressing the program, Shrestha emphasized the need to evaluate the implementation status of the Constitution, highlighting that seven years have passed since its issuance.

In the pursuit of constitutional implementation, passivity, insufficient activism, or improper activism can be detrimental, akin to poison for the Constitution, according to former CJ Shrestha.

There is a concerning trend of resorting to the constitution’s text rather than adhering to its principles, former CJ Shrestha stated.

“Regardless of the eloquence of the Constitution, its efficacy lies in its proper implementation,” he stated.

He added, “Ultimately, the people’s entitlements from the constitution’s implementation encompass services, security, and development.”

Former CJ Shrestha added that the pivotal question arises: Has the Constitution truly delivered on its promises?

“This calls for a thorough debate. Scrutinizing the status of the constitution’s implementation reveals that 31 rights were enumerated. However, the critical inquiry is which of these rights have been successfully realized,” he said.

He queried that despite promises made to provide housing and land to the Dalits, how many have actually received these benefits thus far?

He also asked how many job opportunities were generated for those previously unemployed. These are questions that demand assessment and reflection, he added.

The constitution’s efficacy, he said, should not merely rest on paper; there must be tangible and meaningful practices.

“If such practices are lacking, it becomes essential to consider whether the energy and direction required for effective implementation can be instigated, perhaps through intervention by the Supreme Court,” former CJ Shrestha added.

Meanwhile, it should also be noted that former Chief Justice Shrestha has earned a place among the “Towering Judges” in the recently published book, “Towering Judges: A Comparative Study of Constitutional Judges,” by Cambridge University Press.

This list comprises 19 exceptionally renowned Chief Justices from the past century, representing 14 different countries.

In addition to his illustrious judicial career, former Chief Justice Shrestha currently serves as the Commissioner of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).

This international organization, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is composed of eminent judges, constitutionalists, and legal scholars.

Notably, Shrestha has been re-elected as Commissioner for the second time, securing his position in 2078 BS for a five-year term.

The ICJ plays a crucial role in promoting and upholding justice globally, benefiting from the expertise and dedication of individuals of the highest caliber in the field of law.

Meanwhile, addressing Tuesday’s program, Dr. Koirala emphasized the vital role of the government in implementing federalism successfully, stressing the need to bring governance to the doorstep of the people.

He called for collaborative efforts among political parties to eradicate corruption and impunity, underlining the importance of good governance and transparency in establishing a robust democracy.

Expressing concern over the migration of 2,500 doctors abroad, Dr. Koirala highlighted the necessity of creating a conducive environment for skilled manpower to thrive within the country.

During the ceremony, Nagesh Koirala, Mayor of Biratnagar Metropolitan City, commemorated the significant contributions of Krishna Prasad Koirala in various fields, including industrialization, communication, education, infrastructure development, and politics.

Prominent figures such as Morang Chief District Officer Prem Prasad Bhattarai, Council President Kabiraj Neupane, and Unified Socialist Standing Committee Member Mahesh Regmi, among others, addressed the meeting.

They urged today’s generation to draw inspiration from the legacy of Krishna Prasad Koirala, emphasizing his role in the establishment of democracy and driving social change.