CJ Rana refutes allegation of involvement in cabinet expansion

Kathmandu / Oct 24: Chief Justice Cholendra SJB Rana has clarified that he does not have any involvement in making Gajendra Hamal a minister.

In a meeting with the President and other office bearers of the Nepal Bar Association (NBA) on Sunday, Rana said that he had not asked any leader to appoint ministers of his choice. “I have not asked anyone to make my brother-in-law a minister. It is unfortunate that I have a relationship, but I have no involvement in it,” Secretary General of the Bar Lila Mani Poudyal quoted Rana as saying.

Chief Justice Rana said that he was serious about all the issues raised by the Bar on the issue of judicial reform and that he would start work immediately for that. A full meeting (full court) of all justices of the Supreme Court including the Chief Justice, will be held on Monday at 1:30 PM on the issue of overall judicial reform.

Stating that the committee formed under the leadership of Justice Hari Krishna Karki had not implemented the report and had not shown any diligence in building an independent judiciary, the Bar met the Chief Justice today and drew his attention to implement the report.

NBA President Chandeshwor Shrestha said that overall discussions were held with the Chief Justice on current issues and further discussions would be held in the full court meeting of the Supreme Court on Monday.