KATHMANDU: The Election Commission has formally instructed the Judicial Council not to proceed with the appointment of new judges, citing the ongoing election code of conduct.
The move comes after the Judicial Council Secretariat sent correspondence last week regarding judge appointments. In response, the Election Commission stated that advancing the appointment process would violate the code of conduct, which has been in effect since January 18.
While district judges who recently passed the Public Service Commission competitive examinations have already been appointed and their postings are underway, the Judicial Council had sought guidance on appointing judges based on seniority rather than examination results. The Election Commission has clarified that such appointments cannot take place during the election period.
This directive highlights the Commission’s strict enforcement of the election code to ensure neutrality in state institutions during the run-up to polls.
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