Shrestha assumes apex court leadership as Acting Chief Justice

KATHMANDU: Senior-most Justice at the Supreme Court, Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha, assumed leadership of the apex court as the Acting Chief Justice on Sunday.

The post had become vacant after Chief Justice Hari Krishna Karki retired on Saturday.

Upon assuming the leadership of the apex court, Shrestha instructed fellow Justices and officials of the Supreme Court to fulfill their responsibilities diligently while upholding the constitution and the law. Shrestha also said he intends to engage in discussions with fellow Justices to create both immediate and long-term strategies to expedite case resolutions. Furthermore, Shrestha called for comprehensive reforms within the judiciary, involving all relevant parties, including fellow Justices and the judicial administration.

Shrestha has already been recommended for appointment as the 31st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The Constitutional Council recommended Shrestha for the post on Thursday.

The Parliamentary Hearing Committee will now conduct a hearing on his appointment. He will then be appointed to the post by the President.

Shrestha will lead the Supreme Court until October 2024.