Kathmandu, July 3:

The government recently approved vacancies for appointment of four judges, on par with the Appellate Court judges, and workforce for the commercial benches to be set up in Patan, Biratnagar, Butwal and Nepalgunj.

"The Supreme Court had planned to set up commercial benches in six major commercial cities and had demanded appointment of judges in Kathmandu, Hetauda, Biratnagar, Pokhara, Butwal and Nepalgunj," Supreme Court spokesperson Til Prasad Shrestha said.

A recent cabinet meeting, however, approved the appointment of one judge each in Biratnagar, Patan, Butwal and Nepalgunj, along with a section officer and a case section chief for each commercial court.

"Even after approval for appointment of judges and officers, the government is yet to consult the apex court on the issue of setting up the commercial courts. This is delaying formation of the courts," Shrestha added.

A taskforce headed by Justice Anup Raj Sharma had recommended formation of six courts in major commercial cities to settle trade related disputes thereby ensuring quick justice.