KATHMANDU: Chief Justice Gopal Parajuli administered oath of office and secrecy to the newly appointed Attorney General Basanta Ram Bhandari in the presence of President Bidya Devi Bhandari amid a ceremony held at the Office of President in Shital Niwas, today.

Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, chiefs of constitutional bodies and security bodies were present on the occasion.

The Prime Minister last Wednesday recommended the name of Bhandari (senior advocate) to the President for the appointment to the post of Attorney General.

As per the constitution, the President shall, on recommendation of the Prime Minister, appoint the Attorney General.

The 72-year-old Bhandari, born in Galkopakha, Thamel has received the Master's degree in Economics and Bachelor's degree in Law from Tribhuvan Universtity. He joined the advocacy profession at the age of 28.

The Attorney General is the chief legal advisor to the government.

On the occasion, the appointed AG Bhandari pledged to utilise his knowledge and experiences at an optimum level while performing his duty.