Supreme Court Bar Association calls for reforms to restore public trust in judiciary

KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court Bar Association has said that recent media reports concerning the chief justice and other justices have undermined the independence, impartiality, dignity and public trust in the judiciary.

In a press statement issued on Friday, it called on all stakeholders to create an environment in which judges can deliver justice fearlessly by upholding judicial independence and dignity without deviating from their primary judicial and ethical responsibilities.

The association also called for an impartial investigation by the concerned authorities, without prejudice, into the issues raised in media reports and the statements and public remarks made by judges.

It called for a zero-tolerance policy towards negligence, incompetence and corruption in the judiciary. “All parties involved in judicial proceedings must exercise restraint and strictly adhere to the code of conduct in their coordination, communication, dialogue and meetings,” the association added.

The association has also urged the Supreme Court to form a constitutional bench in accordance with the spirit of the constitution to ensure the independence, impartiality and effectiveness of the judiciary.

In a press statement issued on Friday, the association expressed serious concern over the controversy surrounding the formation of the constitutional bench at the Supreme Court, external influences on judicial proceedings and the involvement of various parties in the administration of justice.

Even though Article 136 of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015, provides for the formation of a constitutional bench, the bench has not been functioning regularly for a long period, it said, stressing the need for the apex court to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

The association urged the apex court to designate four justices in accordance with Article 137(4) of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015 and form a constitutional bench comprising the chief justice and the four justices. It also called for necessary arrangements to ensure regular formation and operation of the bench.