Kathmandu, Nepal: In a significant move for Nepal’s judiciary, President Ramchandra Paudel has appointed three new Justices to the country’s Supreme Court, following the recommendations of the Judicial Council. The appointments were made in accordance with Article 129(2) of the Constitution of Nepal.
New Appointees to the Apex Court:
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Meghraj Pokharel – A senior advocate with a longstanding reputation for legal scholarship and public advocacy.
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Shreekant Poudel – Previously Chief Judge of the High Court in Janakpur, known for his emphasis on procedural reforms and judicial efficiency.
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Shanti Singh Thapa – Former Chief Judge of the High Court in Dipayal, recognized for her leadership in access to justice, particularly in remote regions of western Nepal.
According to a press release issued by Shailaja Regmi Bhattarai, Spokesperson for the Office of the President, the appointments reflect the constitutional commitment to judicial independence and institutional strength.
Regional and Legal Significance
Nepal’s judiciary plays a pivotal role in upholding democratic values and human rights in South Asia. With these new appointments, observers expect enhanced jurisprudential diversity and a renewed focus on judicial reforms—particularly in response to increasing case backlogs and calls for greater public trust in the justice system.
The international legal community will be watching closely as the newly expanded bench is expected to weigh in on a number of politically sensitive and constitutionally significant cases in the coming months.
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The appointment of Justices Pokharel, Poudel, and Thapa seems like a well-rounded step toward strengthening Nepal’s Supreme Court. It’s especially encouraging to see a focus on both procedural reform and improving access to justice in remote areas—something that’s often overlooked in judicial discourse.