Nepal Witnesses Historic Judiciary Shift: Sapana Malla Takes Charge

Sapana Malla, the senior-most judge of Nepal's Supreme Court, steps in as acting Chief Justice following Prakash Man Singh Raut's retirement. The Constitutional Council's deadlock, due to political unrest, delays the Chief Justice nomination. Malla marks a significant milestone as the second woman leading Nepal's judiciary.

Sapana Malla, a distinguished Supreme Court judge, assumed duties as Nepal's acting Chief Justice after her predecessor, Prakash Man Singh Raut, retired upon reaching the age of 65.

Malla became the senior-most justice after Raut's retirement, a transition outlined by Nepal's Constitution, yet the appointment of a permanent Chief Justice faces delays due to political turmoil.

The blockade arose after the dissolution of the House of Representatives, prompted by Gen Z protests, leaving vacant critical nominations within the Constitutional Council, thereby stalling the key judicial appointment process.

(With inputs from agencies.)