KATHMANDU: Chief Justice (CJ) Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha, who is set to retire on October 6, encountered strong opposition from the Nepal Bar Association (NBA) as he attempted to recommend a new judge.
As Shrestha moved to propose a judicial appointment during a meeting of the Judicial Council on Wednesday afternoon, lawyers protested with black banners, expressing their dissent.
The NBA has been vocal in its stance, demonstrating across the country against what they deem unconstitutional regulations regarding judicial appointments.
They argue that these practices undermine the integrity of the judiciary.
Earlier on Wednesday, NBA President Gopal Krishna Ghimire released a video message on social media, criticizing Shrestha’s efforts to appoint judges before his retirement.
Following his call, lawyers rallied with black banners at various NBA units.
Ghimire urged legal professionals to take a stand in their respective units to protect the judiciary, which he claims is facing serious injustices.
The lawyers’ demands include the immediate cancellation of recent unconstitutional amendments to the Judicial Council’s rules, the need to eradicate corruption and inconsistencies within the courts, and a strong emphasis on maintaining an independent judiciary.
Additionally, they have called for the repeal of the amendment to the National Criminal Procedure Code, which they argue imposes unfair restrictions on filing petitions without first paying a fine for repeat cases.
Photos: Nepal Photo Library
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