Kathmandu, December 11

The Judicial Council’s effort to nominate a Supreme Court justice failed today as members were divided on the name.

Member of the JC Padam Prasad Baidik had on December 6 resigned from the post hoping to secure nomination for the post of SC justice that fell vacant after SC justice Kedar Prasad Chalise retired from service on November 20.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Upendra Yadav told THT that the JC decided to postpone the nomination for the time being. JC member Ram Prasad Sitaula, however, said nomination for the SC justice was not in the agenda today.

On December 6, the JC had discussed names of Baidik and some other candidates for the SC justice, but could not nominate anybody as the JC failed reach a consensus.

Nepal Bar Association had issued a press release on December 6, objecting nomination of JC member for SC justice.

The lawyers’ umbrella body had urged DPM Yadav to amend JC Act to prevent the JC members from becoming judges or practising law after serving in the JC.