Interim Statute Provision on CJ Principally Wrong: CJ Poudel

Chief Justice (CJ) Dilip Kumar Poudel today said that the provision in the interim statute to appoint the Chief Justice on the recommendation of Constitutional Council was principally wrong even though it may not affect the judiciary until there is no political interference.Talking to reporters at the Tribhuwan International Airport upon his return from Russia, Poudel said he has no objection to present the annual report of the Supreme Court to the Prime Minister, but if it is discussed in the parliament it will raise questions over the independence and the impartiality of the court.CJ Poudel said he met the justices of St Petersberg, Belarus, and acquired information on the judicial system there, besides observing the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, during his visit.Poudel said the judicial systems in Russia and Nepal were similar. “However, in Russia, political debates are looked after by the Constitutional Court and others by the Supreme Court,” he said. Poudel was on an official visit to the Russian Federation from December 21-26 at the invitation of Russian Chief Justice VM Levedev.CJ Poudel said during his meeting with NRNs he found that the Nepalis living there had a spirit to do something for Nepal and Nepalis.