Acting CJ orders immediate registration of all writs at SC
She further directed that the matters be scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, Jestha 5 (May 20).
KATHMANDU: Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla has directed the Supreme Court administration to immediately register all writ petitions submitted in accordance with the law, following complaints from legal practitioners over the non-registration of certain petitions.
In a written order issued on Monday, Acting Chief Justice Malla instructed that all pending writ petitions, including those challenging “dismissal orders”, be registered by 1 PM the same day.
She further directed that the matters be scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, Jestha 5 (May 20).
The order comes after lawyers attempted to file writ petitions against a Constitutional Council recommendation to appoint Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma as Chief Justice.
However, the Supreme Court administration reportedly refused to register the petitions, later also rejecting attempts to file appeals against the dismissal orders.
Following these developments, a group of lawyers met Acting Chief Justice Malla on Monday and raised concerns over the issue.
In her order, Malla stated that preventing legally submitted petitions from being registered amounts to obstruction of the right to justice and undermines public trust in the judiciary.
She also noted that she was informed the Chief Registrar’s refusal to register the petitions was linked to instructions from Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, who has been recommended for the post of Chief Justice.
Citing Article 136 of the Constitution of Nepal, Section 35 of the Judicial Administration Act 2073, and Rule 7 of the Supreme Court Rules 2074, the Acting Chief Justice said she issued the directive in her capacity to ensure proper judicial procedure and access to justice.
