Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma has officially assumed the role of Nepal's Chief Justice after being sworn in by President Ram Chandra Paudel in Kathmandu on Friday.
The appointment follows an official confirmation from parliamentary hearings, signaling a swift transition at the apex court. Supreme Court Spokesperson Arjun Koirala confirmed that the newly appointed leader is scheduled to take charge of his office immediately following the ceremony.
However, the transition has sparked significant unrest within the legal community. The Constitutional Council selected Dr. Sharma, who previously ranked fourth in the judicial hierarchy, bypassing more senior candidates put forward by the Judicial Council.
This departure from established seniority norms has drawn sharp criticism from influential bodies like the Nepal Bar Association. Critics argue that overlooking traditional rankings threatens the foundational independence and fairness of the nation's highest court.
The decision has directly impacted Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla, who was the most senior judge at the Supreme Court and a leading contender for the top position.
The path to Dr. Sharma's appointment was cleared following a controversial government ordinance regarding the Constitutional Council. This new decree reduced the decision-making quorum, enabling just three of the six council members to pass major appointments favored by the Prime Minister.
The recommendation faced immediate political resistance during the selection process. Opposition Leader Bhishma Raj Angdembe and National Assembly Chairman Narayan Dahal both formally dissented against the nomination.
Despite the internal disagreement of these two high-profile council members, the decision was pushed through under the newly amended regulations. The coming days will likely reveal how the judiciary navigates this internal friction and external pushback from legal professionals.
