KATHMANDU, May 6: The Supreme Court (SC) of Nepal is facing a growing number of vacancies as justices continue to retire without timely replacements.

With the recent retirement of Justice Sushmalata Mathema on Sunday, the number of vacant positions in the SC has risen to three.

The SC, which should have 21 justices including the Chief Justice, currently has only 18 justices. The delay in filling the positions has been a long standing issue. By mid-November, 2023, the SC had seven vacancies due to delays in filling the positions. On November 21, 2023, six justices were recommended, leaving one position still unfilled.

Since then, senior-most justices Ishwar Prasad Khatiwada and Sushmalata Mathema have retired, increasing the number of vacancies to three.

Additionally, Justice Ananda Mohan Bhattarai is scheduled to retire on June 14, which will bring the number of vacancies to four.

According to the Constitution of Nepal, constitutional officials should be recommended for vacant positions one month before their retirement. After next week, the SC can begin the process to recommend a replacement for Justice Bhattarai’s upcoming vacancy.

 
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