Sushila Karki: Nepal’s First Female Chief Justice and a Symbol of Integrity
Introduction
Sushila Karki is a name that shines brightly in Nepal’s legal and political history. Known for her honesty, independence, and courage, she became the first woman to hold the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal. Today, she is once again in the spotlight as the nation looks to her as a possible interim leader during times of political upheaval. Her story is one of breaking barriers, standing firm for justice, and inspiring generations.
Early Life and Education
Sushila Karki was born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, Nepal. She pursued her early education in her hometown before moving forward with higher studies. She completed a Bachelor’s degree from Mahendra Morang Campus in 1972, followed by a Master’s degree in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University in 1975. Later, she also earned her Law degree from Tribhuvan University in 1978.
This strong academic foundation prepared her for a distinguished career in law and justice.
Career in Law and Judiciary
Karki began her legal practice in Biratnagar in 1979. Alongside her career as a lawyer, she also worked as a teacher in Dharan in 1985. Her dedication and expertise quickly gained recognition, and in 2007 she became a senior advocate.
In 2009, she was appointed as an ad-hoc justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal and later became permanent in 2010. By 2016, she had risen to the top, becoming the first female Chief Justice of Nepal, serving from July 2016 to June 2017. Her appointment was a historic milestone for women in Nepal’s judiciary.
Landmark Judgments and Achievements
During her tenure, Sushila Karki was known for her uncompromising stance against corruption and her bold, impartial judgments. Some of her significant cases include:
- Exposing corruption in peacekeeping operations.
- Deciding on royal property disputes under the Nepal Trust.
- Cases involving banknote printing corruption scandals.
- The high-profile Kathmandu Nijgarh Fast Track case.
- A ruling that allowed Nepali women to pass citizenship to their children, a landmark decision for women’s rights.
Her fearless approach often brought her into conflict with political forces, yet she remained committed to justice and fairness.
Challenges and Impeachment Motion
In 2017, Sushila Karki faced one of the toughest challenges of her career. Political parties attempted to impeach her, accusing her of bias. However, the move faced strong public backlash, and the impeachment motion was eventually withdrawn. This incident highlighted her immense public support and her reputation as a fearless defender of judicial independence.
Author and Voice for Women
Beyond the courtroom, Sushila Karki is also a writer. Her autobiography, “Nyaya” (Justice), published in 2018, detailed her experiences as a judge and the struggles she faced in a male-dominated environment. In 2019, she published a novel titled “Kara”, which was inspired by her own imprisonment during Nepal’s political struggles and focused on the experiences of female prisoners.
Through her writing, she amplified the voices of women and brought attention to issues of justice and human rights.
Political Role and Interim Leadership
In recent years, Nepal has experienced political turmoil, and widespread protests led by the younger generation have demanded new leadership. Amid this crisis, Sushila Karki has been proposed as a neutral and trustworthy figure to head an interim government. Her reputation for integrity, independence, and non-partisanship makes her a popular choice among the public, particularly among youth activists seeking reform.
Legacy and Inspiration
Sushila Karki’s life and career embody the values of courage, justice, and equality. She broke barriers as the first female Chief Justice of Nepal, stood firm against corruption, and became a role model for women in law and leadership. Her possible role in politics today reflects the deep trust people place in her character and capabilities.
Her journey teaches us:
- Breaking barriers is possible with determination.
- Impartiality and honesty can earn lasting respect.
- Courage to speak truth to power shapes history.
- Leadership grounded in integrity inspires generations.
Conclusion
Sushila Karki is more than a former Chief Justice—she is a symbol of integrity, justice, and hope for Nepal. Whether in the courtroom, through her books, or as a potential interim leader, she has proven that true leadership comes from service, fairness, and courage. Her legacy continues to inspire both women and men to fight for justice and believe in a brighter democratic future for Nepal.
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