Kathmandu, November
CPN-UML lawmaker Padma Aryal has raised four questions with Dr Ratna Bahadur Bagchand, who has been proposed for appointment as a Supreme Court justice, regarding judicial reforms, independence and the effectiveness of justice delivery.
During the parliamentary hearing, Aryal acknowledged that Bagchand’s proposed work plan was objective but sought clarification on his approach and role in addressing existing problems within the judiciary.
Her first question concerned corruption, the influence of middlemen and irregularities within the judiciary, as well as the weak implementation of court verdicts.
“The internal reform of the judiciary is one of the major challenges today,” she said. “What role do you see yourself playing as a Supreme Court justice in controlling corruption, the influence of middlemen, irregularities and the poor implementation of court verdicts?”
Her second question concerned the formation and functioning of the Constitutional Bench. Referring to objections raised by Supreme Court justices over the formation of the bench without following seniority, including reports of judges refusing to sit on it, she asked how Bagchand would help resolve the dispute and ensure that the bench operates without controversy.
The third question focused on the backlog of cases and delays in delivering justice. Pointing out that the heavy caseload and failure to settle longstanding cases have prevented citizens from receiving timely justice, Aryal said, “There are even circumstances in which people are left waiting for justice until they turn to ashes.”
She asked what measures Bagchand would prioritise to reduce the backlog, expedite the settlement of old cases, eliminate procedural delays and make justice more accessible, efficient and citizen-friendly.
Her fourth question concerned judicial independence. She said concerns had been raised that courts, from the Supreme Court to lower courts, were facing fear, intimidation and pressure from the executive, making it difficult for them to function independently.
She asked how Bagchand planned to protect judicial independence and keep the judiciary free from government pressure and influence.
Aryal presented the four questions as initial queries and said she expected clear answers from the proposed justice.
