KATHMANDU: Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla has said that justice cannot function under fear or political influence, warning against attempts to weaken judicial independence.
Addressing a programme organized on the occasion of Law Day on Saturday, Malla said judges must remain free from the fear of a two-thirds majority government or impeachment.
“Justice is not possible under fear and influence,” she said. “Whether it is the fear of a two-thirds government or the fear of impeachment.”
She also warned that actions driven by vested interests through the destruction of legal and constitutional traditions reflect authoritarian tendencies.
Malla said attempts to seek change by dismantling institutional structures may serve those in power temporarily, but would ultimately shatter the hopes of those who believe in the rule of law.
She further stated that manipulating legal procedures in the name of expediency is intolerable for those committed to constitutional governance and judicial integrity.
During her remarks, Malla said the judiciary should move in line with the spirit of the constitution and the pace of governance, stressing the need to equip courts with adequate resources and infrastructure.
She also expressed concern over what she described as attempts to create an “obedient judiciary” by weakening constitutional supremacy and judicial sovereignty under the pretext of experimentation.
Warning against intimidation or coercion aimed at replacing justice, Malla said such actions could lead to instability and disorder.
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