Acting Chief Justice Gopal Parajuli, in the presence of President of Bidya Devi Bhandari, administered the oath of office and secrecy to Deep Basnyat, chief of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), and Tankamani Sharma, auditor general, at Sheetal Niwas on Monday.

Acting CJ Parajuli administered the oath of office and secrecy to Basnyat and Sharma since Chief Justice Sushila Karki went on leave on Monday.

It is not known why CJ Karki took leave on Monday, but officials said she could have done so to avoid the function. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Speaker Onasari Gharti, Chief Secretary Somlal Subedi, secretaries and other high-ranking government officials were present during the oath ceremony.

An impeachment motion filed by the ruling Nepali Congress and Maoist Centre lawmakers on April 30 against CJ Karki had resulted in her suspension. But five days later, the apex court stayed the motion, asking Parliament to put it on hold and allowing Karki to return to the court.

The last time CJ Karki was seen at a public function was on May 9 on Law Day, which was organised by the Supreme Court. PM Dahal, Speaker Gharti, the law minister and attorney general had skipped the function.

According to officials, CJ Karki took leave on Monday and that she would resume office from Tuesday. She is set to retire on June 7.

Sources said President Bhandari herself had made a request to Acting CJ Parajuli to administer the oath of office to Basnyat and Sharma since CJ Karki was on leave.

CJ Karki, according to the sources, is not happy with the decision to appoint Basnyat as the chief of the anti-graft body.