Kathmandu, January 13:

A two-day conference of the judges of the Supreme Court and chief judges of appellate courts began here today. The conference aims to discuss the challenges facing the judiciary, judges’ code of conduct and review the strategic plan of the judiciary.

In his inaugural address, Chief Justice Kedar Prasad Giri called on the judges to meet expectations of the people. “The general public is paying serious attention to the judiciary

at a time when the institution is likely to undergo a transformation.”

Giri said that the judges only want to establish a system that can deliver justice. “The judiciary has been facing new challenges. The judges should be accountable to the people,” he said.

The Chief Justice warned the judges to be aware from those who want to tarnish the image of the judiciary.

Seniormost justice of the apex court Min Bahadur Rayamajhi said that the responsibility of the judiciary has increased in the transitional period. “The judiciary is facing great challenges. It is also the time for the judiciary to win confidence of the public towards the judiciary,” he said.

Rayamajhi said, “The political sector, civil society, legal circle and the media should think of the result while raising issues of the judiciary”. He expressed his commitment to remove “weeds” from the judiciary.

Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Narendra Bikram Nembang said the government is ready to help the judiciary maintain its independence, urging the judiciary to win trust of the public.

NBA president Bishwokanta Mainali called the judges and the lawyers to respect the dignity of labour. President of the Supreme Court Bar Association Prakash Raut called to rid the judiciary of corruption and irregularities.