MP Barsman Pun Calls for Transparency and Reform in Judiciary

Kathmandu. Nepali Communist Party MP Barsman Pun has emphasized the need to end nepotism, corruption, and factionalism within the judiciary and make the overall dispensation of justice transparent and people-oriented.

Speaking during the hearing of proposed Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma in the parliamentary hearing committee on Tuesday, MP Pun pointed out the dire need for comprehensive reforms in the judiciary. He expressed happiness that the proposed Chief Justice has pledged to make his performance report public every four months through the Supreme Court's website, believing this will promote a democratic system of accountability.

During the hearing, MP Pun expressed serious concern over nepotism and factionalism seen in the judiciary. Recalling that former Chief Justice Hari Krishna Karki's report highlighted rampant corruption in the judiciary, he demanded a concrete action plan for corruption control and judicial reform.

He drew attention to the complaint that in some cases, there is a lack of 'judicial mind' and victims do not feel justice has been served. MP Pun stated that the court's stance on Nepal's peace process and transitional justice should be clear. Pointing to some contradictory verdicts in conflict-era cases in the past, he sought clarity from the court on this matter.

Speaking about internal anomalies within the court and public expectations, MP Pun said, "In 16 complaints, issues of family nepotism and influence of former officials have been raised. A clear commitment is needed on how you will perform impartially by overcoming such factionalism and influence within the court. On one hand, justice must be delivered to the people, and on the other hand, attention must be paid to how the judiciary will proceed without hindering development work."

He emphasized making the judiciary 'development-friendly,' citing that interim orders issued by the court often affect national pride projects for a long time, hindering the country's economic development and infrastructure works. Raising questions about the judiciary's autonomy in budget utilization and resource scarcity, Pun stated that overall judicial reform is the main necessity at present.

He suggested that the parliamentary hearing is the appropriate forum to address the performance of proposed Chief Justice Dr. Sharma and the questions raised against him, and advised him to fully honor his public commitments.