Nepal’s Possible Next PM Sushila Karki: From Chief Justice To Political Spotlight

Sushila Karki, at 73, might seem an unlikely choice to lead Nepal after protests led by younger citizens. However, the former Supreme Court Chief Justice is no stranger to anti-government sentiment. Since retiring in 2017, she has been active in civil society movements and was seen among protesters in recent demonstrations.

In 2017, Karki faced a significant challenge when Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and numerous MPs sought her removal as Chief Justice. Her decision to overrule the government's appointment of the national police chief sparked controversy. Her bench ruled that the highest-ranking officer should be appointed instead, a move seen as pro-democracy.

Political Turmoil and Judicial Independence

The ruling coalition's attempt to impeach Karki drew global attention. Human Rights Watch criticised it as an effort to override judicial decisions, violating the principle of judicial independence. The International Commission of Jurists also supported her, highlighting the importance of an unbiased judiciary in Nepal's unstable political landscape.

Karki's tenure was marked by her strong stance against corruption. She once convicted a sitting minister on corruption charges and made landmark rulings, such as allowing Nepali women to pass citizenship to their children. These actions earned her both admiration and criticism from political circles.

Impeachment Motion and Aftermath

During the impeachment motion against her, political analyst Lok Raj Baral noted it was another instance of judiciary versus executive conflict in Nepal. He mentioned that Karki's aggressive stance against corruption annoyed politicians. Eventually, Home Minister Bimalendra Nidhi intervened, leading Prachanda to back down.

The Supreme Court ordered Parliament to halt the impeachment motion against Karki. The court deemed accusations against her baseless, including claims that her verdict on the police chief appointment violated legal norms. She retired in June 2017 but remained active in civil society movements.

A Symbol of Judicial Integrity

Karki's legacy includes being Nepal's first female Chief Justice and potentially its first female Prime Minister if appointed. Her name emerged alongside younger politicians like Rabi Lamichhane and Balendra Shah during recent protests. Despite their youth, Karki had broader acceptance due to her history of judicial integrity.

Her confrontation with Prachanda's government highlighted issues of merit versus political favours in appointments. At least 249 MPs from the ruling parties filed an impeachment motion against her for allegedly taking sides in cases, viewing it as judicial interference in executive powers.

The events surrounding Karki underscore ongoing tensions between Nepal's judiciary and political forces. Her actions have left a lasting impact on Nepal's legal landscape and continue to inspire those advocating for judicial independence and anti-corruption measures.