Misuse
The
Himalayan Times
4 May 2017
Misuse
It
was shocking news that rocked the nation on last Sunday afternoon when the
ruling parties registered the impeachment motion against Chief Justice (CJ) Sushila
Karki on different grounds “Impeachment motion filed against Chief Justice
Karki” (THT, May 1, Page 1). The lawmakers had alleged that she had violated
the constitution and laws, failed to discharge duties sincerely, was
incompetent, lacked honesty and violated the judicial code of conduct. This was
the first time an impeachment motion has been registered against a CJ in
Nepal’s judicial history. Surprisingly, this impeachment motion was registered
just two days before the SC was supposed to give a final hearing on a case
related to DIG Nawaraj Raj Silwal against Prakash Aryal’s appointment as IGP.
Several
different opinions from different walks of life came into the floor soon after
the news spread like a wild fire. Legal and constitutional experts termed the
motion against CJ as an immature decision of ruling parties and direct
interference in the judicial system with ill intention and revenge. Former CJs
have urged the ruling parties to immediately withdraw the motion. However, NC
had strongly defended the registration of the impeachment motion “Motion to safeguard
judicial dignity: Minister Lekhak” (THT, May 2, Page 5).
RPP,
one of the coalition partners of the ruling parties decided to withdraw its
support to the government over the filing of impeachment motion. It has said
that this motion was a serious setback for the independence of the judiciary
and the principle of separation of power “RPP quits govt over impeachment
motion” (THT, May 2, Page 1). The UML has blamed the ruling parties for
attacking on judicial independence. Common citizens and members of citizen
network had protested against the motion on Monday chanting slogans against the
ruling parties.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
