Pun accuses govt of breaching seniority in Chief Justice appointment

KATHMANDU: Nepal Communist Party lawmaker Barsaman Pun has accused the government of violating the judiciary’s established seniority system in the appointment of the Chief Justice, alleging that political interference has been introduced into the judiciary.

Speaking to journalists in the Parliament premises on Wednesday, Pun claimed that the government broke an 80-year-long judicial tradition by appointing a judge from fourth in seniority to the post of Chief Justice.

He said such a move has raised serious concerns about politicization of the judiciary.

Pun also criticized the government for allegedly rushing the appointment process, including the parliamentary hearing procedure, instead of following due process. He said his side had demanded that proper procedures be fully completed before the appointment.

“We have not politicized the judiciary. But now there are allegations that the government has done so by breaching seniority and appointing a fourth-ranked judge as Chief Justice. I don’t need to comment further on that,” Pun said. “There was excessive haste in the parliamentary hearing committee process as well. We had demanded that due process be followed, but the ruling side moved quickly. We gave the benefit of the doubt.”

He further added that his party had supported the appointment based on the benefit of doubt, despite concerns, as the government holds a near two-thirds majority.