Misuse

The Himalayan Times

4 May 2017

Misuse

It was shocking news that rocked the nation on last Sunday afternoon when the ruling parties registered the impeachment motion against Chief Justice (CJ) Sushila Karki on different grounds “Impeachment motion filed against Chief Justice Karki” (THT, May 1, Page 1). The lawmakers had alleged that she had violated the constitution and laws, failed to discharge duties sincerely, was incompetent, lacked honesty and violated the judicial code of conduct. This was the first time an impeachment motion has been registered against a CJ in Nepal’s judicial history. Surprisingly, this impeachment motion was registered just two days before the SC was supposed to give a final hearing on a case related to DIG Nawaraj Raj Silwal against Prakash Aryal’s appointment as IGP.

Several different opinions from different walks of life came into the floor soon after the news spread like a wild fire. Legal and constitutional experts termed the motion against CJ as an immature decision of ruling parties and direct interference in the judicial system with ill intention and revenge. Former CJs have urged the ruling parties to immediately withdraw the motion. However, NC had strongly defended the registration of the impeachment motion “Motion to safeguard judicial dignity: Minister Lekhak” (THT, May 2, Page 5).

RPP, one of the coalition partners of the ruling parties decided to withdraw its support to the government over the filing of impeachment motion. It has said that this motion was a serious setback for the independence of the judiciary and the principle of separation of power “RPP quits govt over impeachment motion” (THT, May 2, Page 1). The UML has blamed the ruling parties for attacking on judicial independence. Common citizens and members of citizen network had protested against the motion on Monday chanting slogans against the ruling parties.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj, Kathmandu