KATHMANDU, Jan 5: Parliamentary Hearing Committee on Sunday unanimously endorsed the name of Laxmi Bahadur Nirala, the former Attorney General, for the post of Judicial Council member.  

A meeting of the committee approved his name today afternoon, according to Laxman Lal Karna, the president of the committee.

"The committee endorsed his nomination for the post of Judicial Council member given his experience, qualification and ability," Karna told media. The committee had sought public complaints against Nirala. However, no complaints were filed against him, according to the committee members. 

The government had recommended Nirala, who served as Attorney General during then King Gyanendra’s direct rule, as a member of the Judicial Council. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli nominated him for the post even though a section of lawyers close to the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) expressed their strong dissatisfaction. 

Nirala was recommended to fill a position that fell vacant following the resignation of Padam Prasad Baidik in December last year.

Nirala served as Attorney General for four months from December 26, 2005 during King Gyanendra’s direct rule. In 2005, Nirala was appointed as Attorney General after the incumbent Attorney General Pawan Kumar Ojha was appointed justice at Supreme Court. 

Nirala, who practiced law while staying in Janakpur, was appointed as Attorney General. As a senior advocate, he would also visit Kathmandu to advocate cases at the Supreme Court. 

It is found that Nirala exceeds the age limit set by the constitution. Although the constitution has not set exact age for JC member, it clearly mentions that the perks and benefits will be similar to those of Supreme Court justice. 

 
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