Taking part in an interaction programme on 'Judicial Council and Appointment of Justices' organised by Youth Legal Practitioners' Group here in the Capital on Friday, the participants expressed concerns over the exclusion of 'good judges' in JC's recommendation.

Nomination of only eight appellate court judges for the post of SC justices after a long gap shows petty interests of council, the speakers said.

They accused the JC of underestimating the contribution SC's temporary justices and sidelining the professional judges of appellate court while recommending candidates for the permanent posts of SC judges.  The JC has also been accused of breaking the value of seniority.

Advocate Hari Phuyal said it was really unfortunate that the JC, constituted for appointing independent and capable candidates at the SC, has failed to maintain its prestige, adding it has come under the political influence and has become polluted. The PHSC should send back the proposal to the JC for review, he said.

Another advocate Dinmani Pokhrel questioned why the JC forced the five SC temporary justices to work at the same post for five years and to go home with the same status. He accused the JC of snatching their professional rights and the PHSC should question the JC about this, he said.  

Democratic Lawyers' Association President Gopal Krishna Ghimire said the JC's nomination for SC permanent justices has been dragged into controversy as it failed to nominate capable candidates.

But, evidences are necessary to disqualify the recommended candidates instead of just levelling accusation against them superficially, he said.