SC seeks papers related to Parajuli’s appointment as Chief Justice

The Supreme Court on Sunday ordered submission of all documents related to appointment of former chief justice Gopal Prasad Parajuli. SC seeks papers related to Parajuli’s appointment as Chief Justice

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Published at : April 2, 2018

Updated at : April 2, 2018 07:59

Kathmandu

The Supreme Court on Sunday ordered submission of all documents related to appointment of former chief justice Gopal Prasad Parajuli.

Responding to a writ filed by Advocates Hemmani Subedi and Narayan Kharel demanding nullification of President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s swearing-in by retired CJ Parajuli, a single bench of Justice Kedar Prasad Chalise sought the details of decisions taken by the Judicial Council (JC) and the Constitutional Council (CC).

The apex court order, however, is not clear about the presidential oath. The JC terminated Parajuli on March 14 stating that he had crossed the retirement age months ago.

“The court orders submission of recommendations made by the Judicial Council and the decision concerning the date of birth of former chief justice Gopal Parajuli,” the order read. The Constitutional Council is authorised to recommend justices for appointment.

The Supreme Court has also sought the copies of decisions made by the CC about Parajuli’s appointment. With the order, the decisions taken by the councils, including on Parajuli’s appointment, are also being questioned. The SC has also sought the details and process adopted by the President’s Office on Parajuli’s resignation following a controversy surrounding his date of birth and his orders. As Parajuli administered the oath to President Bhandari on March 14 after her re-election, the Judicial Council relieved him of his duties on age ground effective from August 5 last year. The petitioners were of the view that Parajuli, who was supposed to retire last year, resigned on March 25, a day after JC’s notification.