Kathmandu: The Nepal Bar Association (NBA) has drawn attention of the judicial leadership and the Judicial Council towards three key concerns. In a press statement issued by Bar’s General-Secretary Kedar Prasad Koirala, the umbrella organization of lawyers in the country demanded revocation of the changes made in the Judicial Council Regulations-2074 BS (First Amendment 2080 BS) regarding the seniority order of long-serving judges.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the NBA urged not to take forward any process of appointing judges at any level until the amendment is repealed. The Bar also called for ensuring that at least 50 percent of vacant posts for judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts are filled from among legal practitioners.
Furthermore, the Bar insisted that the process of appointing judges should be based on seniority, experience, in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, efficiency, honesty, impartiality, professional integrity, and ethical conduct. It also stressed that impartiality should be taken into consideration while transferring judges.
The Bar expressed its dismay at the recent amendment to the Judicial Council Regulations-2074 BS (First Amendment 2080 BS), labeling it discriminatory in terms of the appointment and hierarchy of judges. Stating that the amendment contradicts the Constitution, the Bar demanded its revocation.
In response to the concerns being overlooked in the ongoing judicial appointment process, the Bar declared its intention to launch a rigorous campaign aimed at strengthening the judiciary and increasing public confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.