Parliamentary hearing for three SC justices, one Judicial Council member concludes

KATHMANDU: The Parliamentary Hearing Committee on Monday conducted hearings for the proposed Supreme Court Justice Shanti Singh Thapa and Judicial Council Member Mahesh Kumar Nepal.

The hearings were held during the scheduled meeting of the committee in Singha Durbar on Monday. The committee had held hearings for two proposed Supreme Court Justices, Megh Raj Pokharel and Shreekant Paudel, on Sunday.

The committee, however, has not not a decision on whether to approve their appointments.

Committee Chairperson Ishwari Devi Neupane said after the meeting that a final decision would be taken during the next meeting of the committee.

During the meeting on Monday, committee members questioned Thapa about his plans and judicial philosophy. In response, Thapa said the constitution has clearly defined the separation of powers among the judiciary, legislature, and executive, and that none should overstep their boundaries. He also expressed commitment to working within the framework of the constitution and laws, upholding the doctrine of separation of powers.

Similarly, Nepal said that he would carry out his responsibilities with seriousness and a strong sense of constitutional duty. He pledged to work towards strengthening an independent, impartial and competent judiciary.