With the chief justice getting the retirement letter, the race for the top judicial post has begun. Altogether six Supreme Court justices who have already served the apex court for three years are eligible to vie for the post.
According to a source at the JC, which keeps records on judges, Justices Min Bahadur Rayamajhee, Anup Raj Sharma, Ram Prasad Shrestha, Khil Raj Regmi, Bal Ram KC and Top Bahadur Magar are eligible to become chief justice under the Interim Constitution.
The Interim Constitution says one should serve at least three years in the Supreme Court to be eligible for the top judicial job.
JC spokesperson Nahakul Subedi told myrepublica.com that the JC informed the Constitutional Council, the body responsible for selecting the chief justice, about the retirement of the incumbent chief justice on Friday so that the process of choosing the new chief justice can start.
It is the tradition at the apex court for the seniormost justice to be appointed chief justice. If this tradition is followed Justice Rayamajhee will succeed Giri.
kiran@myrepublica.com
Related story
Karki's 50-day tenure as Chief Justice: Can he fulfill his prom...
