Kathmandu District Court Judge Resigns Citing Concerns over CJ Appointment

Kathmandu District Court Judge, Shree Krishna Bhattarai, tendered his resignation on Monday, citing reservations regarding the appointment of Hari Krishna Karki as the Chief Justice.

Submitting his resignation on Monday, Bhattarai said he cannot work under Chief Justice Hari Krishna Karki on moral grounds as he had lodged complaint against Karki.

“I, a sitting judge, have also disclosed the reasons while lodging the complaint with the Hearing Committee. Had the committee been fair on those matters, he would not even have been appointed,” Bhattarai stated. “This would have been a step toward reforms. I felt uncomfortable working under the very person against whom I had lodged a complaint as unqualified.”

Judge Bhattarai further revealed that he had given considerable thought to his decision following Karki’s appointment as Chief Justice. Despite his hopes for reforms within the judiciary, he observed no indications of positive changes, leading him to conclude that resigning was the best course of action.

Bhattarai expressed his commitment to working from outside the judiciary to advocate for the much-needed reforms. While stepping down from his position, he vowed to continue efforts towards bringing about a more just and equitable judicial system.