ICJ urges Regmi to resign as CJ

The Geneva-based International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has urged newly appointed head of the interim election government Khil Raj Regmi to step down as Chief Justice "so as to preserve the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law".

“The Supreme Court under the leadership of Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi, has demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights in Nepal,” a statement issued by ICJ quoted Ben Schonveld, ICJ’s South Asia Director in Kathmandu as saying. He added, “To preserve the Nepali judiciary’s hard-won independence, the Chief Justice should step down from his post as soon as he assumes his position at the top of the Executive Branch.”

“Appointing the serving Chief Justice to act as Chairperson of the Council of Ministers throws the country into uncharted constitutional waters,” Schonveld added. “This agreement obliterates the line between the executive and the judiciary.” Nepalnews.com