JC structure flawed, says CJ Shrestha

Kathmandu, April 12

Chief Justice Kalyan Kumar Shrestha today blamed the ‘flawed structure’ of the Judicial Council for difficulties in making appointment of justices to the Supreme Court fair.

Shrestha was hinting at political appointment of members in the constitutional body. He, however, defended the recommendation of 11 justices by the four-member JC, claiming that it took into account only their competencies.

The recommendation of the justices drew controversy as a former lawmaker representing a political party was also recommended for the post of SC justice.

“I have not read the documents of any political party. We only read and know law,” Shrestha said, adding he was yet look into whether the recommended justices have any political affiliation.

He also said that he had no intention to politicise the judiciary.

Shrestha said he had begun several works for judicial reforms and that the team at the apex court was competent enough to continue them. Karki will replace Shrestha on Wednesday as the acting chief justice as the Constitutional Council has already decided to nominate her as the new chief justice.

A Judicial Oversight Committee was formed to curb irregularities in the judiciary and an Access to Justice Commission was established to ensure people easy access to justice.

Shrestha said last year only 4,500 cases were finalised, but this year 7,192 cases were finalised during the same duration. In addition, nine more districts were included in the Special Campaign to Implement Verdict. Earlier, the campaign was being implemented only in 16 districts.

Shrestha said retrofitting of the main building of SC was under way and that would be completed within a few month. He also said that the process for hiring consultants was on the final stage to begin construction of a modern building for SC.

He said the curriculum development for the education of law in higher secondary level was under way because the judiciary is facing problem in the absence of staffs having no basic knowledge of law.