Promising Future Ahead as Manoj Kumar Sharma Takes Oath as Chief Justice Alongside Sapana Pradhan Malla

Manoj Kumar Sharma, recommended by the Constitutional Council for the position of Chief Justice, presided over a case for the first time in an official capacity on Wednesday. He sits on a joint bench with Justice Shree Kanta Paudel, while Sapana Pradhan Malla, who is currently on leave, remains responsible for the Chief Justice duties. "Sapana Pradhan Malla has been on leave since Jestha 20, and it has been 10 working days starting today," said Supreme Court's Assistant Spokesperson Niraj Pandey, adding, "Regular work is being carried out efficiently." The Constitutional Council had recommended Justice Sharma, who was fourth in seniority, among three senior judges. Chief Justice Sharma was appointed alongside Justices Kumar Regmi and Hari Phuyal on Baisakh 7, 2076 BS. Despite being appointed on the same day, two senior judges ahead of Sharma, Justices Regmi and Phuyal, conducted a hearing on Wednesday. Justice Regmi heard the case involving Bal Krishna Dhakal, while Justice Phuyal presided over the joint bench with Nripadhwaj Niroula.