Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki Proposed as Interim Prime Minister of Nepal

Kathmandu, Sept 2025 : Amid continuing unrest and political turmoil in Nepal, the Gen-Z protest movement has proposed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country’s interim Prime Minister. Karki, an alumnus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and the only woman ever to serve as Chief Justice of Nepal, has accepted the proposal.

The decision was endorsed during a virtual consensus meeting in which 500 participants took part, leading to wider support from over 2,500 individuals. Protest leaders described Karki’s selection as a step toward appointing a credible, apolitical figure capable of steering Nepal through its current crisis.

Academic and Early Life

Born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, Karki is widely respected for her contributions to Nepal’s legal system. After completing her Bachelor of Arts degree from Mahendra Morang Campus, Biratnagar, in 1972, she moved to India for higher studies. She earned her Master’s degree in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University in 1975.

Karki later returned to Nepal, where she completed her Bachelor of Law degree from Tribhuvan University in 1978. During her time in Varanasi, she met Durga Prasad Subedi, whom she went on to marry. The connection with Varanasi, thus, shaped not only her academic journey but also her family life. Karki is the eldest of seven siblings in the Karki family of Biratnagar.

Judicial Career and Historic Role

Sushila Karki’s career in law eventually led her to the Supreme Court, where she was appointed Chief Justice on July 11, 2016. Her appointment marked a milestone in Nepal’s judicial history, as she became the first and only woman to hold the country’s highest judicial office.

Throughout her tenure, she earned a reputation for integrity and independence, often clashing with powerful political forces. Her rulings in landmark cases—including Prithvi Bahadur Pandey vs Kathmandu District Court (involving corruption over the printing of polymer banknotes in Australia), the Kathmandu Nijgarh Fast Track project, and a major surrogacy case—cemented her image as a bold and principled jurist.

Impeachment Controversy

Her outspokenness and unwillingness to bow to political pressure eventually brought her into conflict with Nepal’s communist-led government. On April 30, 2017, lawmakers from the Maoist Centre and the Nepali Congress tabled an impeachment motion against her, citing alleged bias. However, the move triggered widespread public backlash, and the Supreme Court intervened with an interim order. Under growing pressure, the motion was ultimately withdrawn.

Despite the controversy, the episode enhanced Karki’s standing among many Nepalis, who viewed her as a fearless defender of judicial independence.

Role in Nepal’s Current Crisis

Karki’s re-emergence in Nepal’s political scene comes at a time of widespread unrest, largely driven by youth-led protests demanding systemic reforms. Over the past two days, demonstrations have escalated into violent confrontations, forcing the political establishment to consider alternatives to restore stability.

By endorsing Karki, the Gen-Z movement has signaled its preference for an apolitical, respected figure to oversee an interim government that will prepare the country for new elections. Her acceptance of the role adds momentum to the proposal, though the final decision will depend on formal consultations with political parties and the President.

A Figure of Trust

Karki’s reputation for honesty, independence, and strong decision-making makes her a compelling choice in the eyes of many citizens frustrated with Nepal’s traditional political class. Supporters believe her leadership could help rebuild public trust during a volatile transition period.

As Nepal grapples with its most significant political upheaval in years, the proposal of Sushila Karki for interim Prime Minister stands as a symbol of both generational change and the search for stability.