KATHMANDU, August 21: The Parliamentary Hearings Committee (PHC) has unanimously approved the name of Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha as the new chief justice (CJ) of the Supreme Court. This paves the way for President Ram Chandra Poudel to appoint him as the country’s new head of the judiciary.

Earlier on Monday, Shrestha presented his action plan to the PHC of the Federal Parliament and answered the questions asked by the members of the committee. Upon hearing his responses, the PHC unanimously endorsed his name.

After the meeting of the Constitutional Council recommended Shrestha as the CJ, the PHC had initiated the hearings process. 

Presenting his plan of action at the meeting of the parliamentary hearings committee held at Singh Darbar on Monday, he said that he would initiate the establishment of a family court or bench.

The proposed Chief Justice Shrestha said that since such a court is necessary for hearing cases of domestic violence, cases where women and children are registered as plaintiffs, cases related to coercion against women, he will give priority to this initiative.

He said that he would also try to waive court fees in such cases. He also said that he will initiate the process to fill the vacant posts of judges in all the courts as soon as possible.

"Initiatives will be taken to establish a family court/bench to hear cases related to domestic violence, violence against women and children, cases of coercion against women. Initiatives will be taken to provide free services including court fee waivers for such cases. To do so, the process will be started as soon as possible to fill the posts of vacant judges in all levels of courts," he said.

Shrestha also said that all the cases in the district courts and the high courts will be reduced to zero within the current fiscal year.

He also said that by continuing the special campaign related to reduction of pending cases in the Supreme Court, he will initiate a strategy to reduce the overall number of pending cases in the court.

Shrestha was born on October 6, 1959, in Silagadi, Doti He has an impressive academic background, having earned a Master's Degree in Arts (MA) as well as a Diploma in Law (DL).

His professional career is marked with several significant positions and contributions to the judiciary of Nepal. On August 1, 2016, he assumed the position of justice at the Supreme Court of Nepal, where he continues to serve with distinction.

Prior to joining the Supreme Court, Justice Shrestha served as the chief judge at the Appellate Court in  Hetauda from August 26, 2014 to July 31, 2016. He also held the position of acting chief judge at the Appellate Court in Pokhara in 2013.

His journey in the judicial system of Nepal began with his appointment as a judge at the Appellate Court in various locations, including Pokhara, Patan, and Baglung. He also held the esteemed position of district judge in different districts such as Kathmandu, Banke, Jhapa, Makawanpur, Udayapur, and others.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions and achievements, Justice Shrestha was honored with prestigious awards, including the Gorkha Dakshin Bahu (Third) in 2004 and Gorkha Dakshin Bahu (Fourth) in 1991.

 
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