KATHMANDU: Newly appointed Chief Justice Ram Prasad Shrestha today called for independence of the judiciary. Stating that judiciary will be helpless if controlled by autocratic rule, Shrestha urged all to protect the independence of the apex court.

Speaking at a programme organised by the Judicial Officers’ Society he said, “Without the trust of the people the judiciary becomes helpless.” The programme was organised to welcome Shrestha and bid farewell to outgoing CJ Anup Raj Sharma.

Meanwhile, Shrestha also added that the Judicial Officers’ Society had an important role in making the judiciary trustworthy. He also added that he has strong commitment to provide equal opportunity to every staff and said that he will not allow nepotism and favouritism to come into play.

Likewise, outgoing CJ Sharma urged for the promulgation of the new Constitution within May 28 as per the wish of the people. “If the Constitution cannot be promulgated, people will come to the streets as they will be the ultimate sufferer,” Sharma added.

Stating that statute is 70 per cent political document and 30 per cent is legal matter therefore he expressed his opinion to extend the tenure of the Constituent Assembly. He also claimed that there is mistrust between judges and judicial officers.

Sharma said the gap between judges and the officers must be bridged as they are interlinked in the adjudication process.