Sushila Karki: From Nepal’s First Female Chief Justice to Potential Interim Leader
A New Chapter in Nepal’s Political History
Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first and only female Chief Justice, has been appointed to lead the interim government following the recent overthrow of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli by Gen Z protesters. In a virtual meeting of the protest group, Karki secured 31% of the votes, narrowly defeating Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, who received 27%.
A Distinguished Legal Career
In 2016, Karki made history as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, during a remarkable period when the country’s three highest offices – the President, Speaker of Parliament, and Chief Justice – were all held by women.
Her tenure was marked by significant achievements, including landmark verdicts against corruption. In 2012, she delivered a groundbreaking ruling that convicted serving minister Jaya Prakash Gupta on graft charges. Her bench also handled crucial cases involving peacekeeping deployments, large-scale projects, and issued path-breaking rulings that gave Nepali women the right to pass citizenship to their children.
Current Political Situation
The Nepalese Army has assumed control of the country, and discussions are ongoing among protesters to select representatives for forming the interim government. More than 4,000 young people participated in an online virtual meeting where Karki’s name was widely endorsed.
The protest group has emphasized that no youth affiliated with political parties should be involved in leadership discussions. Karki, who maintains no party affiliations, was selected to ensure neutrality during negotiations. The movement’s leaders have expressed their preference for trusted and respected figures to take charge.
Looking Ahead
In the current unrest, Karki’s proposed interim role positions her as a bridge between youth aspirations and institutional stability. Her influence continues through her bestseller ‘Nyaya’ and media presence, fostering a vision of equitable justice in Nepal. As protesters chant her name on Kathmandu’s streets, her leadership appears to be defining a new era for generations ahead.
