Introduction
Sushila Karki is a pioneering Nepali jurist, best known for being the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal. Born 7 June 1952 in Biratnagar, Morang District, Eastern Region of Nepal.
Personal Life
- Eldest of seven children.
- Married to Durga Prasad Subedi, who is associated with the Nepali Congress and was her tutor during studies.
- She comes from a modest background; her family had local roots in Biratnagar.
Education
- BA from Mahendra Morang Campus, Biratnagar (1972).
- MA in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India (1975).
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Tribhuvan University, Nepal (1978).
Career (Judicial / Legal)
- Began law practice in Biratnagar in 1979.
- Worked as an assistant teacher at Mahendra Multiple Campus, Dharan in 1985.
- Designated as Senior Advocate in 2007.
- Appointed an Ad-Hoc Justice of the Nepal Supreme Court on 22 January 2009; became a permanent Justice on 18 November 2010.
- Served as Acting Chief Justice from 13 April 2016 to 10 July 2016, then became Chief Justice from 11 July 2016 to 7 June 2017.
Political Role / Recent Developments
- Known for taking a strong stand against corruption during her tenure, several high-profile decisions.
- In April 2017, there was an impeachment motion filed against her by political parties (Maoist Centre, Nepali Congress) related to her judicial decisions, especially involving a police appointment issue. The motion was later withdrawn after public pressure and a Supreme Court interim order.
- As of September 2025, she has been proposed by Gen Z protesters in Nepal as a potential interim Prime Minister, due to her reputation for integrity, neutrality (no political party ties), and anti-corruption credentials.
Literary Career
- Published “Nyaya” ( न्याय ), an autobiography, in 2018.
- Published a novel, “Kara” in December 2019, inspired by her own experiences, especially including her jail time during the Panchayat regime. The novel reflects themes of women’s plight, discrimination, and incarceration.
Keynotes / Highlights
- First woman to become Chief Justice of Nepal, breaking a major gender barrier in the judiciary.
- Strong anti-corruption stance; many landmark rulings that challenged political interference and corruption.
- Known for independence and integrity, regardless of political pressure, she delivered judgments. The impeachment attempt is a testament to the tension between the judiciary and the executive.
- She has become a symbol for many, especially younger generations, as someone seen as capable of leading with neutrality, especially in the ongoing political unrest.
- Her literary works offer personal insight into her life journey, the challenges she faced in a male-dominated profession, and the political history of Nepal.
Further Readings
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sushila_Karki
- https://supremecourt.gov.np/pages/cv_justices/cv_sushilakarki.html
- https://www.news18.com/world/untouched-by-politics-backed-by-the-streets-meet-sushila-karki-head-of-nepals-interim-govt-9563567.html
- https://english.khabarhub.com/2025/10/495682/
- https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world/who-is-sushila-karki-the-ex-chief-justice-who-got-more-votes-than-balen-shah-to-lead-nepal-interim-govt-2025-09-10-1007613
- https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/karki-becomes-first-woman-cj-creating-history
- https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/nepals-former-chief-justice-to-lead-talks-with-army-for-government-formation-9252153
- https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2025/Sep/10/nepals-gen-z-protest-movement-prefers-former-chief-justice-sushila-karki-as-interim-leader
- https://www.news18.com/world/untouched-by-politics-backed-by-the-streets-meet-sushila-karki-head-of-nepals-interim-govt-9563567.html