Dr. Manojkumar Sharma, Recommended for Chief Justice, Faces No Obstacles in Parliamentary Hearing

The Constitutional Council has recommended Dr. Manojkumar Sharma for the position of Chief Justice, and he must now undergo the parliamentary hearing process. Given that the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) holds the majority in the parliamentary hearing committee, Sharma’s appointment is expected to proceed without difficulties. Sharma was appointed as a Supreme Court Justice on April 19, 2019 (6 Baishakh 2076), and his tenure as Chief Justice will be six years. Kathmandu, April 7 (24 Baishakh).

Dr. Manojkumar Sharma, recommended by the Constitutional Council, now needs to complete the parliamentary hearing process for appointment. There is no challenge expected in the hearing because the RPP parliamentary party holds the majority in the committee. Since the RPP parliamentary leader also recommended Sharma to the Prime Minister, Sharma is assured a smooth parliamentary hearing. Out of the 15 members of the hearing committee, 8 belong to the RPP.

To reject a candidate in the parliamentary hearing requires a two-thirds majority, which opposition parties cannot reach due to their insufficient numbers. A simple majority is sufficient for approval. With the RPP’s majority in the committee, there is no obstacle to Sharma becoming Chief Justice. This marks the first time in Nepal’s judicial history that a judge, ranking fourth in seniority rather than the most senior, has been recommended for the Chief Justice position based on the order of precedence.

Appointed as a Supreme Court Justice on April 19, 2019 (6 Baishakh 2076), Sharma will serve a full six-year term as Chief Justice if approved following the parliamentary hearing.