Bar Association Chairperson Vijay Prakash Mishra Alleges Manipulation in Chief Justice Recommendation Process

Vijay Prakash Mishra, Chairperson of the Nepal Bar Association, has accused the process of recommending the Chief Justice of serious manipulation. He claimed that judges were recommended in violation of the seniority principle and that the government interfered in the independence of the judiciary. Kathmandu, 5 Jestha.

Addressing a respectful protest event against the Supreme Court’s administration held on Tuesday in the Bar’s premises, with lanterns lit, he made these accusations. Mishra stated that due to manipulation, the name of a person likely to become Chief Justice after a long period was recommended. “I wish to urge the government not to obstruct the judicial process. However, currently, judges have been recommended in breach of seniority,” he said.

Mishra accused the current government of opening the path to bypass seniority in the Chief Justice recommendation and added, “When the government enjoys a two-thirds majority, this sets a precedent for undermining the sequence. Attempts are underway to attack judges who uphold the rule of law and ethics.” The Constitutional Council recommended Manoj Sharma, ranked fourth in seniority, as Chief Justice, bypassing the most senior judge, Sapana Malla.