Kathmandu: Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma has been recommended for appointment as the next Chief Justice of Nepal. The recommendation was made during a meeting of the Constitutional Council held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Balendra Shah Balen.

Recommended Beyond Seniority Order
The council recommended Justice Sharma despite him being fourth in the order of seniority among Supreme Court judges. The meeting was attended by Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal, National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal, Deputy Speaker Ruby Kumari Thakur, opposition leader Bhishma Raj Angdembe, and Law Minister Sobita Gautam.

Vacancy After Retirement of Former Chief Justice
The post of Chief Justice became vacant after the retirement of former Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut on March 18. Since then, senior-most Supreme Court Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla has been serving as Acting Chief Justice.

The Judicial Council had earlier recommended six names for consideration, including Justices Sapana Pradhan Malla, Kumar Regmi, Hari Phuyal, Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, Dr. Nahakul Subedi, and Til Prasad Shrestha.

Debate and Speculation Over Appointment
The recommendation came amid intense political debate and speculation regarding the appointment process. Discussions had intensified on social media and in political circles over who would be chosen for the country’s top judicial position.

Justice Sharma is regarded as a judge actively involved in constitutional interpretation, judicial administration, and legal reform debates.

Potential Six-Year Tenure
If appointed after parliamentary hearing and presidential approval, Justice Sharma could become the first Chief Justice in the post-multiparty era to serve a full six-year constitutional term.

According to Nepal’s constitutional process, the recommendation must now be endorsed by the Parliamentary Hearing Committee before formal appointment by President Ram Chandra Poudel.

Following appointment, Dr. Sharma will become Nepal’s 33rd Chief Justice.