New norms for naming judges set

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: Setting new norms for judges’ appointment, the Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi-headed Judicial Council (JC) today decided to appoint judges only after testing their competency.

“We endorsed the new system of judges’ appointment from our level and we are waiting for approval from Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, who looks after the law portfolio,” Khem Narayan Dhungana , JC member told reporters.

After the JC meeting, Dhungana said the Council has set ways — written test and interview — prior to the appointment of judges.

According to the new system, judges in appellate and district courts will be appointed through public scrutiny, as the JC would appoint them only after the competence test.

“Vacancies will be announced with 21 days notice to fill applications for eligible persons and those who are short-listed will face interviews for the post of appellate court judges,” another JC member said.

The judges appointing body, however, said persons convicted in contempt of court charge, convicted in any criminal offence, tax defaulters, black listed, human rights violators and juvenile justice violators would not get a chance even to file their candidacy.

After passing interview, the successful candidate must face public scrutiny. The JC will publish a seven-day notice for public feedback from people concerned on the candidates who have passed.

“If anyone objects to any candidacy with concrete evidence, the person shall not be appointed,” the member added. However, the Judical Council may take the written test and interview for appointment of judges at the district level.