Kathmandu: Kathmandu – Sixteen complainants have filed objections against the proposed Chief Justice, Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma. The Parliamentary Hearing Committee is currently holding discussions with the complainants to obtain information regarding the basis and evidence behind the allegations.
The complainants have accused Sharma of “bench fixing” during his tenure as a Supreme Court Justice. They allege that he influenced hearings in sensitive cases on the basis of political connections and personal access.
Some complainants have also labelled Sharma a “nepo baby,” alleging that he advanced within the judiciary through family influence and connections. They further claim that, after his appointment as a judge, Sharma became closely aligned with the CPN-UML and acted under political influence. According to the complainants, this has raised serious questions about the impartiality and independence of the judiciary.
Similarly, Sharma has been accused of involvement in corruption amounting to nearly NPR 2 billion in connection with a controversial case concerning waste management by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, in which a writ petition was reportedly dismissed. The complainants have also alleged that Sharma played a supportive role in the controversial Ncell tax refund case. The objections state that he influenced decision-making processes in a manner contrary to the nation’s economic interests.
The complainants further contend that Dr. Sharma does not meet the constitutional qualifications required to become Chief Justice. They claim that he did not practice law continuously for 15 years and also lacks the requisite five years of experience as a High Court judge.
The complaint additionally notes that Sharma is the nephew of former Chief Justice Damodar Prasad Sharma, alleging that his judicial appointment was secured through family influence. The objections also accuse him of abusing power and contributing to nepotism within the judiciary.
Recalling the tenure of former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana, the complainants have warned that appointing another controversial figure as Chief Justice could once again plunge the judiciary into crisis. They argue that appointing a person with a disputed background to serve a full term as Chief Justice could cause significant judicial, constitutional, and economic damage to the country.
The Parliamentary Hearing Committee is scheduled to conduct a formal hearing on Dr. Sharma today. The committee has stated that it will proceed with the final stages of the appointment process only after evaluating the complainants’ statements, evidence, and the seriousness of the allegations.
