KATHMANDU: In a rare sequence of events completed within a single day, Manoj Kumar Sharma has assumed office as the Chief Justice of Nepal following parliamentary hearing, approval, appointment, oath-taking and formal assumption of duties.
Sharma’s appointment was finalized on Tuesday after he appeared before the parliamentary hearing committee in Singha Durbar and responded to 16 complaints filed against him. The committee unanimously endorsed his nomination following the hearing.
Following the endorsement, President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy at Shital Niwas.
Immediately after the ceremony, Sharma proceeded to Ram Shah Path, where Supreme Court officials including Chief Registrar Bimal Poudel were awaiting his arrival.
Even before he formally arrived at the court after the oath, officials had updated his name and photograph on the Supreme Court website at around 7:07 pm.
Sharma later reached the Supreme Court premises and assumed office the same evening after official working hours had ended.
He was appointed Chief Justice under Article 129(2) of the Constitution of Nepal after being endorsed by the parliamentary hearing committee.
Following his appointment, Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla stepped down from the acting role. However, she will continue to serve as the senior-most judge in the Supreme Court unless she resigns.
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