Kathmandu, May, 10 : Rastriya Swatantra Party chairman Rabi Lamichhane on Sunday objected to comments made by acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla, saying the Constitutional Council’s recommendation for the chief justice post was constitutional and should not be turned into a “street issue”.
Speaking at a program marking Law Day, acting Chief Justice Malla had urged judges not to fear the “arrogance of a two-thirds majority” or threats of impeachment, adding that “the fight is not over yet”.
Addressing a training session for party lawmakers, Lamichhane said the judiciary’s dignity and prestige should be preserved and accused critics of politicizing the issue.
“If you are talking about me, my neck is still there. If you are that angry, then use the weapon on my neck,” Lamichhane said, adding that he had already “entrusted” himself to the court.
He also defended the recommendation process for the next chief justice, arguing that all six proposed candidates were qualified.
“Can anyone explain how it became unconstitutional?” he asked. “Had the Constitution explicitly stated that only the senior-most judge must be appointed, there would have been no need for a Constitutional Council meeting.”
