Supreme Court Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma Unanimously Endorsed As Nepal’s New Chief Justice

The Parliamentary Hearing Committee has unanimously endorsed Supreme Court Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma for appointment as the next Chief Justice of Nepal. The decision was made during a meeting held at Singha Durbar on Tuesday after lawmakers completed his parliamentary hearing and reviewed 16 complaints filed against him during the vetting process.

Following the endorsement, Sharma’s name will now be sent to President Ramchandra Paudel for official appointment. Once appointed, he will serve a six year term as Chief Justice. During the hearing, Sharma presented his judicial reform plans focused on introducing an e court system, reducing case backlogs within 18 months, improving access to justice, and increasing transparency in judicial appointments and governance.

Sharma was recommended by the Constitutional Council on May 7, even though he is fourth in the Supreme Court seniority list, making the decision a departure from the traditional seniority system. The Chief Justice post has remained vacant since the retirement of former Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, while Senior Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla has been serving in an acting role.