Rastriya Swatantra Party MPs Urge Swift, Objective Judicial Hearing

Kathmandu. Members of Parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have demanded that the parliamentary hearing process for proposed Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma be advanced objectively and at a rapid pace without further delay.  

Speaking at the meeting of the Parliamentary Hearing Committee held on Tuesday, RSP Chief Whip Kavinra Burlakoti and MPs Dr. Lekhjang Thapa and Rajiv Khatri presented various suggestions to make the hearing process effective. Burlakoti emphasized that the parliamentary hearing process for the proposed Chief Justice should be moved forward without further delay.  

Speaking at the meeting, Chief Whip Burlakoti stated that the discussion with the complainants and the hearing of the proposed Chief Justice's action plan should be intensified as per the schedule. He proposed that the complainants should be called one by one for discussion, and during that process, the proposed Chief Justice's action plan should also be heard. He mentioned that some of the complaints received by the committee have serious errors and expressed the view that these issues should be clarified during the discussion.

Refuting comments that the outcome of the hearing is already predetermined, he stated that the conclusion should be reached only based on objective discussion. He also cautioned that if serious issues arise during the discussion, it may be necessary to communicate further with the recommending body. Emphasizing the need to make the process transparent and systematic, Chief Whip Burlakoti urged the committee to find solutions to problems by stopping only where obstacles arise.  

RSP MP Dr. Lekhjang Thapa emphasized that the action plans of the proposed officials should not be limited to paper but should be practically implemented. Studying the action plan presented at the meeting, MP Thapa said that aspects such as speeding up case disposal, using digitalization, and improving the quality of judicial performance are positive.  

Pointing out the need for a balance between dynamism and restraint in the judicial sector, Thapa stated that while the younger generation has the eagerness to work quickly, maturity and balance are necessary in the decision-making process. He urged the Parliamentary Hearing Committee to rise above party lines and make objective decisions as one. MP Thapa proposed improvements in the committee's working methods and demanded that the action plans of the proposed candidates be made available at least one day in advance in the future. He stated that if there is enough time to study the action plan, it will be easier to form a clear opinion about the candidate's qualifications and plans.  

Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Rajiv Khatri emphasized the need to make the performance of the Parliamentary Hearing Committee effective and move forward at a rapid pace. MP Khatri expressed the view that the investigation and hearing process of the complaints should be put on a 'fast track'. Discussing the time limit for complaints at the meeting, MP Khatri recalled that a 10-day period was previously set. MP Khatri argued that working faster and more effectively would be achieved by carrying out the dialogue with the complainants and the study of the complaints simultaneously.  He stated that direct discussion and cross-questioning with the complainants would make it easier to delve into the depth of the subject matter and save time.  

Considering that the parliamentary session is also ongoing and taking into account the committee's workload, he pointed out the need to work with more activeness. He stated that even though there are different perspectives between the ruling and opposition party MPs regarding the pace of work, the main objective should be to complete the work on time. He emphasized that all members should unite and work to bring the committee's work to a quick and transparent conclusion.