KATHMANDU: Despite opposition from members against the appointment of judges, at a time when the country is embracing federalism, the Judicial Council (JC) headed by Chief Justice Anup Raj Sharma is preparing to fill judges' vacancies in the three-tire judiciary shortly.

The JC said it was picking qualified persons for the post of judges in the Supreme Court, Appellate Courts and District Courts.

After the retirement of ex-CJ Min Bahadur Rayamajhi and the rejection of Bipulendra Chakraworti, two permanent and three ad-hoc posts are lying vacant in the apex court.

"The members are having an informal discussion and very soon vacancies will be filled," an SC source told The Himalayan Times. JC members Moti Kaji Sthapit and Basudev Dhungana are said to be against the appointment stating that it would be a burden for the country on the verge of adopting a federal structure.

In the Appellate Courts, two posts of chief judges and two judges' posts are vacant while in District Courts two judges' posts are lying vacant.

Due to the retirement of judge Bhola Kharel and the death of judge Rishi Raj Joshi, two posts are vacant in the appellate courts. One post of judge each is lying vacant in Nawalparasi and Dhading district courts following the resignation of judges Karuna Nidhi Sharma and Girish Kumar Sharma.