Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel on Tuesday administered the oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, completing a fast-tracked appointment process that drew protest from the Nepal Bar Association and questions from lawmakers.
The oath ceremony was held at Sheetal Niwas, the presidential residence in Kathmandu. Paudel appointed Sharma earlier Tuesday on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council under Article 129(2) of Nepal’s Constitution, according to the Office of the President of Nepal, Shital Niwas in Kathmandu.
Sharma took charge the same day as the 33rd chief justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court after the Parliamentary Hearing Committee unanimously approved his nomination.
The committee began Sharma’s hearing Tuesday morning and completed the process in one day. Members reviewed complaints, spoke with complainants, heard Sharma’s work plan, questioned him and approved the nomination.
The appointment process faced criticism because Sharma was fourth in seniority among Supreme Court justices. Critics said the Constitutional Council bypassed more senior justices in recommending him.
During the hearing, Sharma defended the process, saying the chief justice position is an appointment, not a promotion.
“This is not a promotion to chief justice; it is an appointment,” Sharma said. “In promotion, seniority is a strong criterion. This is an appointment.”
Lawmakers also questioned Sharma about a writ petition challenging his recommendation that was rejected at registration. Sharma said registration was the responsibility of court administration and declined to comment further.
“Registration is the responsibility of the administration,” Sharma said. “The administration may have used its discretion. I do not want to comment further.”
Outside the hearing process, lawyers affiliated with the Nepal Bar Association staged a symbolic lantern protest, saying justice was being obstructed.
Bijay Mishra, Presosent of Nepal Bar Association criticized the process and said court administration should help ensure access to justice, not block it.
Despite the objections, Sharma was approved, sworn in and seated as chief justice on the same day.
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