Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice, has been sworn in as the country’s first-ever woman Prime Minister. Backed by Gen-Z protestors after the fall of the KP Oli government, her interim role symbolizes change amid political turmoil.
Nepal witnessed a historic moment late Friday evening as Sushila Karki, a 73-year-old former Chief Justice, was sworn in as the country’s first-ever woman Prime Minister. The appointment, though interim, marks a turning point in the Himalayan nation’s political journey, emerging from violent youth-led protests and political instability.
Karki took the oath of office from President Ram Chandra Poudel after a day-long round of consultations with Gen-Z protest leaders, constitutional experts, and the army chief. Her appointment followed the collapse of the KP Sharma Oli-led government earlier this week during the widespread Gen-Z protests that rocked the nation.
Youth-Backed Choice Amid Turmoil
The protests, spearheaded by Nepal’s younger generation, had demanded sweeping reforms, accountability for corruption, and greater transparency. They also insisted on Oli’s resignation after accusing his administration of mishandling governance and stifling dissent. Following intense negotiations, the protestors put forward Karki’s name, signalling their desire for a leader with a clean image and judicial credibility.
However, Karki’s appointment was not without controversy. Nepal’s Constitution requires the Prime Minister to be a member of the House of Representatives. Since Karki does not hold a parliamentary seat, she was appointed under the “principle of necessity”—a mechanism invoked several times in the country’s history during crises.
“She was appointed as Prime Minister based on the principle of necessity, a system practiced since the 1950 revolution,” explained constitutional lawyer Bipin Adhikari. He emphasized that while the arrangement was temporary, Karki’s judicial record made her a trustworthy choice until fresh elections are held.
Broad Support from Leaders and Public
Reactions to Karki’s appointment have been overwhelmingly positive across political and judicial circles. Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha said, “From the judicial point of view, I have seen her leadership, and she can be relied upon.”
Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai also hailed the decision, saying, “It is very positive and appropriate that the youths of Gen Z have recommended former Chief Justice and a capable, clean figure, Sushila Karki, to lead the interim government. She must be given full national cooperation and support.”
Still, concerns remain over her ability to mediate between diverse stakeholders in a politically fragile environment. Adhikari urged her government to prioritize accountability, prosecute those responsible for the deaths of young protestors, and address corruption-related demands.
According to Nepal Police, at least 51 people, including security personnel, were killed during the protests, which also caused significant destruction of property and businesses. Many are now looking to Karki to provide both stability and justice.
Trailblazing Career in Law
Born in 1952 in Biratnagar, Morang district, Karki grew up in a politically active family inspired by Nepal’s first elected Prime Minister, B. P. Koirala. Encouraged by her parents to pursue education at a time when few girls did, she went on to earn an LLB from Tribhuvan University in 1972 and a Master’s in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University in 1975.
Her legal career began in Biratnagar in 1979, and by 2007, she was recognized as a senior advocate. Two years later, she was appointed an ad-hoc judge in the Supreme Court, becoming a permanent judge in 2010. In 2016, she rose to become Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice.
Karki became widely respected for her uncompromising stance on corruption. In January 2017, she delivered a landmark ruling that disqualified Lok Man Singh Karki, a powerful anti-corruption chief accused of abusing his authority. Her earlier rulings included the sentencing of serving minister Jaya Prakash Gupta in a corruption case.
Her tenure, however, was not without turbulence. In 2017, she faced impeachment proceedings after a ruling against the government in a police chief appointment case. The move was later quashed by the Supreme Court, which reinstated her, cementing her legacy as a defender of judicial independence.
A Historic But Temporary Role
While her appointment as Prime Minister has generated excitement, experts caution that her role is strictly interim. Fresh elections are expected in the near future, with the hope that a legitimate government will emerge to address long-term governance challenges.
| Also Read: Gen Z Protestors Demand Younger Interim PM in Nepal |
For now, Karki stands as both a symbol of change and a product of necessity. Her clean record, legal expertise, and reputation for integrity have made her the choice of a nation yearning for stability and justice.
As Nepal navigates a turbulent phase in its democratic journey, the appointment of its first woman Prime Minister marks a powerful statement—one that reflects both the aspirations of its youth and the resilience of its institutions.
