Seven Complaints Filed Against Proposed Chief Justice Manoj Sharma

The parliamentary hearing process for Nepal’s next Chief Justice has entered a more contentious phase, with seven complaints formally registered against proposed Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Sharma at the Parliamentary Hearing Special Committee. The complaints were submitted by Saturday evening, according to the Federal Parliament Secretariat.

The committee had issued a public notice on Baisakh 26, inviting complaints against Sharma from individuals who believed he was unfit for the country’s highest judicial post. Complainants were asked to submit clear grounds, supporting evidence and documentation within a 10-day window.

The move reflects Nepal’s constitutional mechanism aimed at scrutinising nominees to key state positions before their appointments are finalised. In the case of the Chief Justice, the parliamentary hearing process is designed not only to assess legal competence, but also to examine questions related to conduct, integrity and institutional credibility.

Complaint Deadline Remains Open Until Monday

The Parliament Secretariat said the complaint registration process will remain open until office hours on Monday. Individuals filing complaints are required to disclose their full identity, address and contact details as part of the submission process.

While the contents of the complaints have not yet been made public, the number itself has drawn attention at a time when Nepal’s judiciary continues to face intense public scrutiny over transparency, political influence and institutional accountability.

Parliamentary Hearing to Examine Qualifications and Conduct

Under constitutional provisions, nominees recommended by the Constitutional Council must undergo parliamentary hearings before assuming office. The committee is tasked with evaluating the nominee’s qualifications, conduct and overall capability for the position.

The committee has indicated that discussions and necessary investigations into the registered complaints will take place before Sharma is called in for direct parliamentary questioning.

The hearing is expected to become a closely watched institutional process, particularly as Nepal’s judicial leadership remains central to debates surrounding constitutional interpretation, governance disputes and public trust in state institutions.