Sushila Karki confirmed for Chief Justice appointment

KATHMANDU: The Parliamentary Hearing Special Committee on Sunday unanimously endorsed the name of Justice Sushila Karki for the vacant position of Chief Justice at the Supreme Court of Nepal.

Karki will be the first woman to lead Nepal's judiciary. Now after the PHSC endorsement, the President will appoint her to the post.

The PHSC had summoned Karki at its meeting today to conduct the hearing. Speaking at the meeting, Karki told lawmakers that the SC was facing a tough time due to a low number of available justices.

She therefore asked the PHSC to complete hearing for justice appointments soon. Currently, 11 nominees are awaiting the PHSC hearing for their appointment as the SC justices.

Meanwhile, Karki also dismissed accusations filed against her at the PHSC that she was involved in corruption among others.

The Judicial Council on April 10 had recommended Karki for the top judicial post. Her appointment, however, was pending owing to delay in formation of the PHSC.

She has been taking charge of the Supreme Court as the Acting Chief Justice since her predecessor Kalyan Shrestha retired on April 14.

Born on June 7, 1952, Karki was appointed the Ad-Hoc Justice at the Supreme Court on January 22, 2009. She was promoted to the Permanent Justice on  November 18. 2010.

Karki had began legal practice in March 1979.

She will head the judiciary till June 6, 2017.