Nepals apex court is now a toothless institution with questionable independence
Nepals Supreme Court seems to have lost much of its authority after the incumbent chief justice also took over as the countrys executive head. While hearings on cases questioning CJ Khil Raj Regmis appointment have been postponed,various government departments are taking decisions on matters sub judice.
President Yadav also endorsed the Regmi cabinets decision regarding the appointment of a five-member election commission,although three of them,including the chief commissioner,had completed their term an issue pending before the SC. All this has created the impression that the CJ-led government has taken the apex court for a ride,with its independence largely compromised.
But as always,key actors,especially in the diplomatic community,see the apex court and its chief as the most acceptable and independent entity capable of conducting free and fair polls,ignoring the opinion held by the majority of domestic political actors. US Ambassador Peter Bodde sort of appealed to people to participate in the election,and Indian Ambassador Jayant Prasad assured Regmi his government would provide all the support in conducting elections.
There are however,signs of a cautious review of the situation by some political parties. The hope that elections will take place by early June is fast fading. What the votaries of the CJ-led government have forgotten is that judicial independence is vital for the credibility and effectiveness of democracy.
yubaraj.ghimire@expressindia.com
