Kathmandu, April 23
Whereas Indian Chief Justice Dipak Mishra has faced an impeachment motion by opposition parties for meeting political leaders recently, Nepal’s acting Chief Justice Deepak Raj Joshee is found to have been meeting political leaders pressing them to appoint him as the Chief Justice at the earliest.
After the retirement of then Chief Justice Gopal Parajuli, Joshi has taken over the rein as the acting Chief Justice in March. He is expecting the appointment as full-fledged Chief Justice soon.
However, the Constitutional Council headed by the Prime Minister has delayed his appointment. In addition, the Federal Parliament is yet to form the Parliamentary Hearing Special Committee.
In this context, Joshee recently met ruling coalition partner CPN-Maoist Centre’s Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal at his residence in Khumaltar of Lalitpur, requesting him to expedite the process, according to a source.
Meanwhile, legal experts have objected to Joshee’s reported meeting with Dahal.
“It is disappointing that the recommendation for the Chief Justice’s appointment is taking a long time,” constitutional expert Bhimarjun Acharya says, “But, a justice meeting leaders at such times is more disappointing.”
Acharya says politicians should also refrain them from meeting justices.
“If it continues,” he questions, “Where will we find dignity and independence of judiciary?”
