Kathmandu, March 14
Nepal’s Judicial Council has relieved Chief Justice Gopal Prasad Parajuli from his post.
The council, in a notice issued just a few minutes before President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s swearing in ceremony, said Parajuli is no longer the Chief Justice of Nepal.
Officials from the council’s secretariat handed over the notice to Parajuli just as he prepared to administer the oath of office and secrecy to President Bidya Devi Bhandari. The council says that Parajulis’ 65th birthday was in August last year and he should have retired back then.
The council said it examined Parajuli’s education certificate, citizenship certificate and other other documents and it was found that Parajuli was working past retirement.
According to the Judicial Council Act, the council needs to inform the justice concerned and his office when the justice is to get retirement because of age.
Controversy about Parajuli’s birthdate began when Sushila Karki was the Chief Justice. The council had rectified the error. But the controversy re-emerged after Dr Govinda KC went on strike demanding his resignation.
Meanwhile, President Bidya Devi Bhandari was sworn in by Parajuli, even after he received the letter from the council. The move is expected to spark controversy in the days to come.
