Government Requests Resignation from Two Court Members Over Political Appointments

April 6, Kathmandu – The government, through the Law Secretary, has requested that two members from the Administrative and Labour Courts resign to facilitate appointments. Law Secretary Parashwar Dhungana has urged these court members to step down, easing the path for new appointments.

In an interview, Secretary Dhungana informed that he conveyed the government’s message to these individuals, requesting cooperation to smooth the process.

“The government’s policy, which is publicly known, is to replace those appointed through political means with qualified and competitive individuals,” Dhungana said. “These appointments are made by the government without any competitive process, which is why I have communicated the government’s request to them.”

During a phone conversation with the Law Secretary, the two adjudication members reportedly contacted some Supreme Court judges, stating they had been directed to resign. This information subsequently reached the Attorney General’s office.

Currently, the Administrative Court has members Nawal Kishor Yadav and Alokchandra Shrestha. The Labour Court members include Shailendra Kumar Chaurasiya and Kumari Kharel.

All four members were appointed by the previous government. However, Secretary Dhungana clarified that no such requests have been made to the chairpersons of both courts, who were appointed on the recommendation of the Judicial Council.

“Chairpersons are appointed based on the Judicial Council’s advice, so the government has not communicated any request to them,” Dhungana explained. “The message to members concerns only those politically appointed.”

The Administrative Court handles rulings and disputes concerning civil service employees, whereas the Labour Court, established under the Labour Act, adjudicates disputes between employees and industrial establishments. Both courts function as tribunals.