Kathmandu: Only a single bench of Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana conducted a hearing at the Supreme Court on Wednesday. No other benches had conducted hearing on Monday and Tuesday as well.
The Chief Justice had assigned a constitutional bench of senior Justices Deepak Kumar Karki, Mira Khadka, Hari Krishna Karki, and Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha. CJ Rana had fixed his single bench. Similarly, the Chief Justice had assigned nine benches including single and joint benches of other Justices.
Justices refused to join the hearing procedures, over the accusation that the CJ demanded ‘his share’ during the recent expansion of the Council of Ministers and subsequent questions over the functioning of the judiciary.
A total of fifteen Supreme Court Justices are in favor of the resignation of Chief Justice Rana. However, Rana is adamant to step down and has been arguing that he would resign only if all the Justice dragged into controversy put in papers.
CJ Rana has said he was competent enough to carry out the role of Chief Justice given by the Constitution and the law. He has also urged Justices to perform roles and responsibilities in line with the Constitution and law.
The disruption of benches has affected people reaching the SC from far-flung areas seeking its services.
Comment