Speaking at a function organized by the Judicial Officers´ Society to welcome newly-appointed Chief Justice Ram Prasad Shrestha and bid farewell to Sharma, he said, "I request anti-democratic forces not to dream of constitutional monarchy in the country." [break]
He urged all democratic forces to be alert to institutionalize the infant republic. "There are reports that some elements are actively playing games to revive constitutional monarchy," Sharma said, adding, "All of us democratic forces should able to counter such elements."
Sharma said one shouldn´t forget the contribution make by thousands of Nepali people to bring about a republic in the country.
Sharma stressed the need for independence of the judiciary. "But independence of the judiciary doesn´t mean that there should an autocrat-judge," he added.
Sharma opined that the country will not head towards catastrophe even if the constitution is not promulgated on time. "Nepali people exercised patience and there won´t be any catastrophe. Despite that we should all be aware of any possible catastrophe," he added.
Sharma said that the country can´t move ahead without politics. "I think the new constitution cannot be promulgated on time by bypassing politics," he remarked. Sharma retired as chief justice four days ago.
Also speaking at the function, new Chief Justice Shrestha vowed that he will not leave any stone unturned to make the judiciary clean and responsible. "Judicial discipline is the most important element," he said, adding, "Those who believe in nepotism and favoritism will be largely discouraged."
CJ Shrestha stressed the need of an independence judiciary. "I alone can do nothing to maintain an independent and clean judiciary," Shrestha said, adding, "Every member of the judiciary should play a constructive role for this."
Judicial Officers´ Society Chairman and Registrar of the Special Court Agni Thapaliya drew the attention of CJ Shrestha towards discouraging those who frequently visit the homes of judges and other court officials to influence litigation.
He said that those who are in the periphery of power are termites of the judiciary. Thapaliya demanded immediate action against those who influence court cases in the name of power. "Such people are contributing a lot to delay, non-transparency and irresponsibility in the judiciary."
He reassured that he will take immediate action against those charged with corruption. The CJ on Sunday decided to transfer two court officers, Lal Prasad Aryal and Babu Ram Dahal, to remote areas. A probe panel had found Aryal and Dahal guilty of bribe-taking from litigants some three years ago.
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