The Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Means (PCNRM) had submitted a report on the verdict and had demanded credible investigation into poaching before his verdict was enforced. [break]
Lal had issued the verdict granting parole to notorious rhino poacher Yakche Sherpa while he was a judge at the Hetauda Appellate Court a few years ago.
The PHSC, however, approved the names of three SC justices, including Lal, for the post of permanent justices as recommended by Judicial Council (JC). On November 2, the JC had recommended justices Abhadesh Kumar Yadav, Girish Chandra Lal and Sushila Karki for the post of permanent justices of the SC.
"We had also submitted a copy of verdict issued by Lal to the PHSC. We found him guilty of misusing his discretionary powers while issuing the verdict," said Ram Sharan Ghimire, Secretary at the PCNRM, adding, "I am surprised abrupt decision of PHSC to approve Lal´s name as the permanent justice."
Lal had slapped five-year sentence to two dozen rhino poachers including Sherpa, though poachers as per the existing law are required to serve a 15-year term.
Lal had long been defending his verdict stating that he enjoyed discretionary powers as per the law.
"The investigation into poaching of rhinos itself was weak. I don´t think that my decision was wrong. And still stand by what I did," Lal said defending his move before the parliamentarians.Parliamentarians had sought clarification from Lal as to why he granted parole to notorious rhino poachers though allegations against them had already been proved.
"I had no relation with poachers. Otherwise, I would have released them without even sentencing them to jail," Lal argued.
Lal had also been accused of professional incompetence.
Similarly, another SC justice Karki had also been accused of being an active member of a political party and professional incompetence. No complaint was lodged against justice Yadav.
During the hearing procedure, Justice Yadav said that the judiciary was unable to provide justice to the victims due to lack of fair investigation into crimes.
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