Sharma named for Chief Justice

KATHMANDU, Nov 30: The Constitutional Council (CC) has named the senior most Justice of the Supreme Court Anup Raj Sharma as the successor of incumbent Chief Justice Min Bahadur Rayamajhi, who is retiring on December 12. [break]



The lawyer-turned judge has the reputation of passing bold verdicts, especially during the King´s direct rule, and holds a clean image. He will be the first Nepali lawyer to assume the top judicial post once the parliamentary hearing special committee confirms his appointment within next 15 days. Though former Chief Justice Hari Prasad Pradhan was also a lawyer, he was an Indian national. Sharma joined the Supreme Court on January 5, 2004 as a permanent judge.




A CC meeting held at the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) on Monday recommended Shama´s name, respecting the tradition of appointing the senior-most SC justice for the post.



Opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is an ex-officio member of the CC, was absent in the meeting, though the CC working procedures requires the opposition leader to attend the meeting. Dahal citied his busy schedule for not attending the meeting.



Prime Minister´s Press Adviser Bishnu Rijal told Repulica that the prime minister, who is also the chairman of the CC, had obtained prior consent from Dahal on Sharma´s name.

A source, however, said that Dahal had warned PM Nepal not to take any other decision except recommending Sharma for the post of CJ. Four constitutional bodies are running without their chiefs since long.



Talking to myrepublica, Sharma said on Monday, “I have very short period to serve as the chief justice. After taking oath of office and secrecy, I will focus my attention on expediting pending cases in court by making it mandatory for every single justice to take up at least three cases a day.” Sharma, who has not courted any controversy till date, will only serve for tenure of four months in the capacity of CJ.



Sharma said that he would prioritize implementation of SC´s action plan. “My top priority will be to provide speedy justice in hassle free manner,” Sharma said.



Sharma was in the limelight when a bench comprising him released political detainees during the King´s direct rule in 2005. The precedent had led to the release of hundreds of political leaders and cadres arrested by the king-led government in 2005 and 2006.



He also shared a bench that had lifted the ban on broadcast of news from FM radios during the royal regime.



Another landmark verdict in which Sharma was involved was the dissolution of the all-powerful Royal Commission on Corruption Control. The commission had served as a tool to silence politicians who had opposed the direct rule by then king Gyanendra.



A staunch democrat, Sharma was also involved in passing a verdict that ensured citizenship rights to the children of Badi communities.



His verdict against Chhaupadi tradition (secluding women during menstruation period) was also applauded.

Related story

Karki's 50-day tenure as Chief Justice: Can he fulfill his prom...