Interim Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla Secures Nepal Bar Association’s Support, Warns Ruling Party to ‘Atone’ for Actions

Interim Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla’s directive to the Supreme Court administration to register writ petitions challenging the recommendation for the new Chief Justice has sparked widespread discussion—from parliamentarians to legal professionals’ umbrella organizations. While ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) MPs have opposed the administrative order, opposition Nepali Congress MPs have voiced objections to the ruling party’s stance. In an emergency meeting, the Nepal Bar Association upheld the interim Chief Justice’s decision as justified and issued a warning that the ruling side must “pay the price” for their actions.

Sapana Pradhan Malla accused the administration led by Chief Justice designate Manojkumar Sharma of failing to register writ petitions pending before the court. The Supreme Court administration has not commented on the recent developments, and efforts to contact them have been unsuccessful. Nepal Bar Association Chair Vijay Prasad Mishra stated that the interim Chief Justice exercised her authority under rare circumstances. “Such a situation necessitated this action. The ultimate responsibility lies with the Chief Justice or the acting Chief Justice. Unfortunately, the administration has not complied when duty was exercised,” he said.

Mishra recalled that the interim Chief Justice fulfilled her constitutional duty to uphold the country’s system and maintain the judiciary’s rightful place through her order. “The administration appears to have disregarded the order, assuming the issue would resolve once the new Chief Justice assumes office. Disobedience today offers no guarantee that problems won’t arise tomorrow. The administration’s duty is to comply with directives from the judiciary’s highest authority, not to flout them,” he added.

Addressing attempts to suppress parliamentary discussion on decisions made by the Chief Justice or judges, Mishra emphasized that the constitution and previous orders explicitly protect such discourse. “This is clearly stated in a past Supreme Court order and Article 105 of the current constitution.” Mishra strongly criticized Raswapa MPs for their comments during the House of Representatives session on Monday. “Some honorable members have made impassioned and arrogant remarks. The Nepal Bar Association is clear that their course will result in necessary atonement,” he warned.