KATHMANDU: The Nepal Bar Association (NBA) has launched a protest against Chief Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha, accusing him of attempting to appoint justices unilaterally ahead of his impending retirement.
Chief Justice Shrestha is scheduled to retire on October 6, and the Bar claims his actions undermine the judiciary’s integrity.
On Wednesday, the NBA held a protest assembly at its office, where it strongly objected to Shrestha’s alleged plans to appoint justices according to revised Judicial Council Regulation that the Bar deems unconstitutional.
The Association has repeatedly voiced concerns over the issue, urging the Chief Justice not to proceed with these appointments.
During the protest, NBA President Gopal Krishna Ghimire warned that any move to appoint justices under the revised rules would violate constitutional principles and disrupt the ranking system of justices.
He said that the judiciary’s dignity must not be compromised by rushed decisions made by an outgoing chief justice.
“We cannot remain silent as the Chief Justice, who is on the verge of retirement, attempts to settle personal accounts by appointing justices according to an unconstitutional amendment. Such actions will not be tolerated,” Ghimire said.
The association has also called for the immediate cancellation of the amended Judicial Council Regulation, which it claims were introduced extrajudicially.
Furthermore, the Bar demanded a thorough cleanup of the judiciary, addressing corruption, distortions, and inconsistencies within the system.
As tensions escalate, the legal fraternity has united in its demand for transparency and fairness, underscoring the need to protect the integrity of the nation’s courts.
Comment