Kathmandu, February 1

Nepal Bar Association ended its protest against the Judicial Council’s recommendation for appointment of 80 High Court judges following a seven- point deal with the Supreme Court.

Opposing the JC’s decision to recommend 80 High Court judges, saying it violated legal and constitutional provisions, particularly those relating to proportional inclusion, the NBA had launched a series of protest programmes, including boycotting pleadings in the courts, from Sunday.

As per the deal, the SC would draw the attention of the JC via chief justice to make appointment of judges inclusive in future and activate JC’s coordination committee. SC would also draw the attention of the JC to recommend justice for the constitutional bench. Likewise, the two sides agreed to take initiative for easy entry of legal practitioners to the SC and address concerns raised by the NBA.

Justices Hari Krishna Karki, Anil Kumar Sinha, Sapana Malla had participated in the talks from the SC side. President of NBA Sher Bahadur KC, President of SC Bar Association Shailendra Kumar Dahal, and senior advocates Harihar Dahal and Hari Prasad Upreti were also present.

The NBA had said the JC’s midnight recommendation regarding appointment of 80 High Court judges when two of its members were absent was against Article 42, 140, 153 and Section 5 (1) of the Judicial Council Act.