Kathmandu. Three international rights groups have concluded that the crisis in the Supreme Court is endangering the independence and integrity of the judiciary in Nepal.
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have issued a joint statement from Geneva demanding the resignation of Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher Jabra.
In order to uphold human rights and the rule of law, it is urged to resolve the crisis in a way that protects the credibility and independence of the courts.
“The Supreme Court has an important role to play in upholding human rights and the rule of law in Nepal, and so this crisis is a major concern for the justice process,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
Mandira Sharma, senior international legal adviser to the ICJ, said that without judicial cleanliness, integrity and independence, the Supreme Court would be weak and a weak Supreme Court would not be able to uphold its constitutional obligation to protect human rights and the rule of law.
She also demanded a speedy, effective and detailed investigation into the allegations leveled against the Chief Justice by adopting a constitutional process to restore public trust and confidence in the judiciary.
Nirajan Thapaliya, director of Amnesty International Nepal, said that an independent judiciary is the foundation of the rule of law and respect for human rights. He also demanded a strong, transparent and effective investigation into the allegations against the Chief Justice.
Satayata has been demanding the resignation of Supreme Court Judge and Bar Association Chief Justice Jabra.
