The parliamentary hearing process for four judges recommended for appointment to the Supreme Court of Nepal has concluded.
The Parliamentary Hearing Committee conducted sessions with the nominees at Singha Durbar in Kathmandu on November 6 and 7.
The nominees are Dr. Ratna Bahadur Bagchand, Chandra Bahadur Saru, Janak Pandey, and Gokarna Dangi. They were recommended by the Judicial Council on October 6, 2026, for positions in the nation’s highest court.
During the hearings, lawmakers had the chance to question the nominees about their career histories, backgrounds, experiences, and plans for improving the justice system.
Four Nominees Under Parliamentary Review
The hearings occurred in two stages:
- Dr. Ratna Bahadur Bagchand and Chandra Bahadur Saru were heard on November 6.
- Janak Pandey and Gokarna Dangi were heard on November 7.
The nominees presented their career histories and action plans, followed by questions from the Parliamentary Hearing Committee regarding their qualifications for the Supreme Court, including their experience, career records, judicial independence, and commitment to fair justice.
Complaints Against the Nominees
The appointment process has attracted attention due to 28 complaints filed by 13 individuals against the four judges, with some individuals raising concerns about multiple nominees.
The complaints addressed issues such as their career records, judicial backgrounds, ties to political parties, seniority, and overall suitability for Supreme Court positions. The hearing allowed complainants to voice their concerns.
Senior advocate Rajesh Kafle highlighted the need for an investigation into the Judicial Council’s decisions and the nominees’ careers. He emphasized that appointments should be based on merit, experience, integrity, and professionalism.
Meet the Four Nominated Judges
The Judicial Council has recommended:
- Dr. Ratna Bahadur Bagchand (Chief Judge of the High Court in Pokhara)
- Chandra Bahadur Saru (Judge at Patan High Court)
- Janak Pandey (Judge at Hetauda Bench, Patan High Court)
- Gokarna Dangi (Judge at Birgunj Bench, Janakpur High Court)
The Judicial Council met on October 6, 2026, to recommend these nominees, an essential step in the appointment process.
Next Steps Following Parliamentary Hearings
The next phase involves the Parliamentary Hearing Committee reviewing the nominees. According to Nepal’s constitutional process, the Judicial Council’s recommendations must receive approval from the Parliamentary Hearing Committee before the President can officially appoint them as Supreme Court Judges.
This step is critical in the appointment process. The committee’s decision will determine whether the four nominees are appointed. The process has gained public attention due to concerns regarding judicial appointments, career records, and the importance of maintaining independence within Nepal’s judiciary.