Legal ForumExample Category: LSK Kajiado ForumSushila Karki Set to Lead Nepal a …Post Reply

Post Reply: Sushila Karki Set to Lead Nepal as Interim Prime Minister Amid Political Turmoil

<blockquote><div class="quotetitle">Quote from <a class="profile-link highlight-moderator" href="https://lawguide.co.ke/understanding-law/legal-forum/profile/lawyer/">Lawyer</a> on September 12, 2025, 8:19 am</div><div id="pl-7904"  class="panel-layout" ><div id="pg-7904-0"  class="panel-grid panel-no-style" ><div id="pgc-7904-0-0"  class="panel-grid-cell"  data-weight="1" ><div id="panel-7904-0-0-0" class="so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child" data-index="0" data-style="{&quot;background_image_attachment&quot;:false,&quot;background_display&quot;:&quot;tile&quot;,&quot;background_image_size&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;background_image_opacity&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;border_thickness&quot;:&quot;1px&quot;}" ><div
			
			class="so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base"
			
		>
<div class="siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget">
	<p dir="ltr" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Nepal's former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has emerged as the leading candidate to serve as the country's interim prime minister, following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli amid widespread protests led by the nation's youth. The Gen Z-led movement, which toppled Oli's government, has rallied behind Karki, a 73-year-old jurist renowned for her anti-corruption stance and judicial independence, to steer Nepal through its current political crisis.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Sushila Karki, born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, Morang district, made history as Nepal's first female Chief Justice, serving from July 2016 to June 2017. Her nomination as interim prime minister marks another potential milestone, as she could become Nepal's first female prime minister if officially appointed. The decision to back Karki came after a four-hour virtual meeting involving over 5,000 Gen Z protesters, who voted on platforms like Discord and Zoom to select a leader unaffiliated with political parties. Karki garnered 31% of the votes, narrowly surpassing Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, who received 27% but reportedly did not respond to the protesters' outreach.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The youth movement, fueled by frustration over systemic corruption, nepotism, and a controversial social media ban, emphasized the need for a neutral figure with credibility. Karki's reputation as a fearless judge, known for landmark rulings such as the conviction of a sitting minister for corruption and granting Nepali women the right to pass citizenship to their children, made her the ideal choice. Her lack of political affiliation further solidified her appeal, as protesters explicitly sought a leader free from partisan ties.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Karki's journey to becoming a leading figure in Nepal's judiciary and now potentially its executive branch is rooted in a distinguished academic and professional career. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Arts from Mahendra Morang Campus in Biratnagar in 1972, followed by a Master's degree in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, India, in 1975. She completed her legal education with a Bachelor's degree in Law from Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu in 1978. Her time at BHU, where she also learned dance, left a lasting impression, and she recently expressed nostalgia for her Indian education, stating, "I still remember my teachers in BHU. The relationship with India is very good and goes back many years."</p>
<p dir="ltr">Karki began her legal career as an advocate in Biratnagar in 1979 and later served as an assistant teacher at Mahendra Multiple Campus in Dharan in 1985. Her judicial career began in earnest when she was appointed an ad-hoc justice at Nepal's Supreme Court in January 2009, becoming a permanent justice in November 2010. In 2016, she was recommended by the Constitutional Council, led by then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, to serve as Chief Justice. During her tenure, she presided over high-profile cases, including those involving corruption in peacekeeping missions and the controversial Nijgadh Fast Track project. Her rulings, such as the annulment of Lokman Singh Karki's appointment as head of the constitutional anti-graft body, cemented her reputation as a reformist.</p>
<p dir="ltr">However, Karki's tenure was not without controversy. In 2017, the ruling coalition, comprising the Maoist Centre and Nepali Congress, filed an impeachment motion against her, accusing her of judicial overreach after the Supreme Court overturned the government's appointment of a police chief. The motion was withdrawn following public pressure and an interim Supreme Court order, but it underscored the political resistance she faced for her anti-corruption stance. Karki has also faced criticism for allegedly supporting the appointment of politically affiliated judges, though she defended her actions, arguing that competent judges must set aside political biases.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The push for Karki's leadership comes in the wake of violent protests that erupted on September 8, 2025, in Kathmandu and other major cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj. The protests, initially sparked by a government ban on 27 social media platforms citing tax revenue and cybersecurity concerns, quickly escalated into a broader anti-government movement. Public frustration over institutionalized corruption, economic stagnation, and wealth inequality fueled the unrest, which resulted in the deaths of at least 51 people, including three policemen, and over 1,300 injuries. Protesters set fire to government buildings, including the Parliament House, the President's Office, the Prime Minister's residence, and the homes of senior political leaders.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Nepal Army, led by General Ashok Raj Sigdel, assumed control of law and order, imposing a nationwide curfew that remained in place until Thursday morning. The resignation of Oli, a four-time prime minister, and President Ram Chandra Poudel marked a turning point, leaving Nepal without a functioning government for over 24 hours. The Gen Z protesters, organizing through online platforms with anime avatars and blank display pictures, demanded accountability, transparency, and an end to favoritism. The "Nepo Babies" trend on social media, highlighting the lavish lifestyles of politicians' children, further amplified public discontent.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Karki has expressed her willingness to lead the interim government, emphasizing her commitment to honoring the young protesters who lost their lives. "Our immediate focus will be something for the young people who died during the protest," she said in an interview with CNN-News18. She also called for experts to collaborate on charting Nepal's path forward, noting that the parliament remains intact. Her appointment is expected to be formalized following consultations with President Paudel and General Sigdel, with a meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. on September 12, 2025.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Karki's nomination has garnered support from notable figures, including Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, who praised the protesters' maturity and unity in selecting her. In a Facebook post, Shah described Nepal as entering an "unprecedented moment" and urged citizens to act responsibly. Other candidates considered by the protesters included Kulman Ghising, head of the Nepal Electricity Authority, youth leader Sagar Dhakal, and YouTuber Random Nepali, though Karki emerged as the consensus choice.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Karki has spoken warmly of Nepal's ties with India, describing herself as a "friend of India" and expressing admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I am very much impressed with Indian leaders. Main Modi ji ko namaskar karti hoon," she said, highlighting her positive experiences at BHU and her enduring connections with Indian friends. Her leadership could strengthen bilateral ties, particularly as Nepal navigates this period of instability.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The appointment of Karki draws parallels with Bangladesh, where Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed a similar interim role following a student-led uprising in 2024. Her lack of political experience, while a potential challenge, is seen as an asset by protesters seeking a break from Nepal's entrenched political elite.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As Karki prepares to take on the role of interim prime minister, she faces significant challenges, including restoring order, addressing the demands of the youth, and ensuring a smooth transition to a new government. The protesters have called for elections within a year and stricter measures against corrupt politicians. Karki's reputation as a crusader against corruption and her judicial experience position her as a capable leader, but navigating Nepal's complex political landscape will require deft diplomacy and public support.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Nepal's political crisis remains fluid, with ongoing discussions among stakeholders to finalize the interim leadership. Karki's potential appointment symbolizes a shift toward accountability and reform, driven by the determination of Nepal's Gen Z to reshape their country's future.</p>
</div>
</div></div></div></div></div></blockquote><br>

Cancel

Legal Forums

Post Reply: Sushila Karki Set to Lead Nepal as Interim Prime Minister Amid Political Turmoil

Recent Posts

Crisis at Kenyatta National Hospital: Senators Demand Action on Overcrowding and Security Failures

Court Orders Equal Pay for UHC Nurses Amid Absorption Plan