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Despite knowing rape is a serious crime, it is often normalized in Nepali society. Influential figures show no sympathy for the victim while attempting to glorify the perpetrator and trivialize the crime. This trend is evident in recent incidents where society appears chaotic, tolerating such acts in the name of celebrity. It seems that efforts are being made to manipulate the law in favor of perpetrators, using various temptations to weaken the victim's outlook. Despite recognizing rape as a horrible crime, why does our society ruthlessly condone it under the costume of power and fame? This is a pressing and thought-provoking issue.

Rape involves the non-consensual penetration of the body, typically through sexual intercourse or other forms of penetration, achieved by force, coercion, or manipulation. It represents a profound violation of an individual’s autonomy, dignity, and bodily integrity and is universally condemned as a criminal offense. Nevertheless, instances of rape persist across both developed and developing nations, with women and children often bearing the brunt of such assaults. Specifically, children may struggle to comprehend the nature of the attack and often feel apprehensive about reporting it. Perpetrators may exploit fear and control tactics to silence victims, thus evading accountability in society. Despite rape's designation as a serious crime, societal shortcomings frequently impede impartial investigations and the pursuit of justice for survivors.

In Nepali society, incidents of rape and sexual assault rarely come to light or reach the police for investigation. Instead of conducting thorough investigations, the police and local government often attempt to mediate between the perpetrator and the victim. Power and money frequently play a significant role in silencing the victim. In recent high-profile rape cases in Nepal, perpetrators have used their influence and emotional manipulation to evade the law. While we must respect court decisions, it is crucial to discuss the issues and challenges surrounding these cases.

Our primary problem is unethical leadership in both the political and social spheres. Many incidents of sexual assault and rape do not come to light due to the abuse of power by political figures. Political leaders involved in sexual misconduct often escape justice and are even rewarded with greater responsibilities within their parties and the government. Political parties and their members lack clarity and ethical standards on issues like sexual assault and rape. Moral dilemmas are pervasive among them. For the advancement of democracy, political parties and their leaders must be disciplined. However, all political parties in Nepal, both new and traditional, have failed to demonstrate ethical integrity. If political leaders do not grasp the seriousness of sexual assault and rape, a disciplined society is unattainable.

Recently, Maoist leader Janardhan Sharma posted on social media about a high-profile rape case involving cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane, saying, “Congratulations to cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane for getting justice, thanks to the court. Nepali cricket will reach new heights.” Remarks like these from high-ranking politicians are deeply disappointing. The district court initially convicted Lamichhane, and although the high court overturned this decision, the victim can still appeal to the Supreme Court. When political leaders publicly side with perpetrators, it undermines public trust in their leadership.

It’s crucial to understand that emotion should not play a key role when dealing with criminal matters. For instance, some argue that Lamichhane, as a national figure who has made Nepal proud, deserves leniency. However, we must remember that a national figure should exemplify moral and ethical integrity. 

Moreover, Nepali society is shifting toward a crowd-based justice system. When perpetrators or convicted criminals are released from jail, people cheer and welcome them. What kind of example does this set? In a democratic society, the rule of law must be upheld, and institutions should operate independently on the basis of laws and regulations. Think about our daughters, children, or relatives, who have suffered from sexual assault. What comes to mind? Can we accept the norm that celebrities can do anything they want? The answer is no. We all have a responsibility to build a support system for rape victims and advocate for independent investigations and justice. High-profile sexual assault cases can be overlooked by society; therefore, citizens must remain vigilant in this matter.

The Harvey Weinstein rape case is a prominent example of sexual assault allegations leading to significant legal and social consequences in the United States. Weinstein, a powerful film producer, was accused by numerous women of sexual assault and rape, with allegations spanning several decades. In 2018, he was arrested, and in 2020, he was convicted and sentenced to 23 years in prison. His conviction marked a significant victory for survivors of sexual assault and set a precedent for holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions. This landmark case encouraged other victims to come forward and seek justice.

The revelations about Weinstein sparked the worldwide #MeToo movement, encouraging sexual assault victims to share their experiences. This case illustrates that even in developed societies, survivors of rape or sexual assault often struggle to come forward. One can imagine how much more difficult it is for victims in societies like Nepal, where trust in the judicial system is low, and sexual assault survivors face many challenges. The recent rape cases involving Lamichhane and Paul Shah have been highly controversial due to their nature and the information released to the public.

News reports revealed that the sexual assault survivor was demoralized by Lamichhane through phone calls and messages. He attempted to silence the survivor using temptation and fear. It is troubling that a perpetrator was able to contact the survivor while the case was still in court. If Lamichhane was innocent, why did he try to persuade the survivor in his favor? Some people have irrationally blamed the victim's character, which is outrageous. Both Shah and Lamichhane are public figures, and people want to be close to them. That does not permit celebrities to be involved in sexual misconduct. Celebrities should act responsibly as they are role models for many. Even a celebrity or a national figure has no right to commit a crime. Therefore, citizens and society must raise their voices for justice for rape and sexual assault victims. To prevent sexual violence and support those affected by it, society must promote a culture of respect and accountability, establish strong support systems for survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable.

The seven-member parliamentary committee formed to investigate various cooperative scams has officially begun its work. Although the committee’s terms of reference do not specifically mention Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, its mandate includes studying claims that he misused funds from different cooperatives. The committee is powerful as it has a mandate of the House of Representatives, and its jurisdiction and terms of reference give it the authority to conduct a free and fair inquiry. However, there are concerns about the committee’s impartiality, given that the committee is under a lawmaker from CPN-UML, a party that has strongly supported Lamichhane despite opposition from other parties.

The main opposition, Nepali Congress (NC), has continuously disrupted House proceedings since the second week of March, demanding Lamichhane’s resignation. NC alleges that the hard-earned savings of commoners, parked in fixed deposit accounts at Supreme Cooperative of Butwal and Suryadarshan Cooperative of Pokhara, were illegally transferred to Gorkha Media Network. Lamichhane briefly served as a director of the company and hosted his show Sidha Kura on Galaxy TV, operated by Gorkha Media Network. The home minister has been maintaining that he hasn’t received a penny from the cooperatives. Although the ruling parties were initially against forming a parliamentary inquiry committee, they finally agreed to form the committee on the condition that Lamichhane’s name is not included in its mandate.

Much will depend on how the committee interprets and executes its mandate. A half-hearted probe that succumbs to external pressures and partisan interests will only deepen public cynicism about parliamentary oversight mechanisms. Nepali people have witnessed such failures before, where inquiry panels did not hold power centers accountable on multiple occasions. However, a thorough and impartial investigation can reignite public faith in democratic institutions and processes. By allowing the facts to speak for themselves, the committee can dispel the suspicions surrounding Lamichhane’s conduct. An independent inquiry that calls out the failure to observe standards of honesty, irrespective of positions or affiliations, would uphold the constitutional ideals of checks and balances.

The inquiry panel’s works and actions will be a litmus test of Nepal’s democratic principles and commitment to the rule of law. Any shortcoming in the investigation process could have repercussions far beyond this specific case. If that happens, it would only embolden unscrupulous people to defy legal and ethical norms with impunity.

The Constitution of Nepal envisions three distinct branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. These branches are meant to function independently, free from interference from each other. 

While the legislative and executive branches are inherently political, the judiciary is intended to remain impartial and free from political influence to maintain its credibility. However, in practice, the Judicial Council, which recommends the appointment of judges in Nepal, is heavily influenced, if not dominated, by political interests. This political influence extends to the Constitutional Council, which recommends the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, making the executive a key player in judicial appointments.

This politicization of judicial appointments has raised significant concerns about the competency, impartiality, and integrity of the judiciary. Many court verdicts in Nepal seem to be influenced by political pressures, undermining the judiciary's credibility and eroding public trust. A competent and independent judiciary is essential for upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is administered fairly.

Shree Krishna Bhatarai, former District Judge, says: “The credibility of the judiciary has been declining due to increasing political interference. Political parties appoint their desired candidates as judges to serve their interests, and they resort to impeachment if any hurdles arise. This trend has recently been on the rise, undermining the principles of constitutionalism and judicial independence.” 

When did politics start infiltrating the judiciary?

Gandhi Pandit, professor of law at Tribhuvan University, says the turning point is often considered  the event of 2013 when then Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi was appointed the chairman of the Council of Ministers to remove then Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, due to the lack of consensus among political parties. 

“This move laid the foundation for the political exploitation of the judiciary,” says Prof. Pandit 

According to him, political interference in Nepal’s judiciary began as early as 2047 BS. However, post-2062/63 BS, political meddling increased significantly, culminating in Regmi’s appointment as both the head of the executive and judiciary. Some analysts believe this appointment instilled a tendency among judges to seek political advantage.

Subsequent Chief Justices after Regmi have been embroiled in various controversies. After Regmi, Damodar Prasad Sharma served as acting Chief Justice, a period considered golden for middlemen and the corrupt. Sharma was notorious for appointing his nephew as a judge in the then-Appeals Court, fostering factionalism among Supreme Court judges, and failing to make permanent appointments for competent judges, allowing them to retire instead. Ram Kumar Prasad Shah, who succeeded Sharma, attempted some reforms but was not free from controversy. Kalyan Shrestha, who followed Shah, faced similar issues.

The first female Chief Justice, Sushila Karki, faced impeachment over a dispute regarding the appointment of the police chief. Although the impeachment was later withdrawn, this incident set a precedent for using impeachment as a tool against non-compliant judges, a tactic also used against suspended Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher Rana.

Increasing political influence and power-sharing deals have eroded the judiciary’s credibility, shaking the foundation of the one institution people still trust. Experts argue that the root cause lies in the flawed appointment process. 

The structure of the Judicial Council, changed through the interim constitution after the second people’s movement of 2006, heightened political interference. The new system included only the Chief Justice and the senior-most justice from the Supreme Court, with three additional members: the Minister of Law, a lawyer sent by the Prime Minister, and another lawyer recommended by the Nepal Bar Association. This made it easier for politically affiliated lawyers to join the council. 

This structure led to a high level of political quota distribution in judge appointments in 2070 and 2071 BS. In 2070 BS, 15 newly appointed Appellate Court judges visited the UML party office to express their gratitude on the same day they took their oaths of impartiality and independence. Now, the UML, which facilitated political intrusion into the judiciary, is trying to distance itself from the issue.

In the midst of widespread controversy and disorder, some interpret the political manipulation of the judiciary as a crisis of the system itself. As major political leaders began using the judiciary to shield themselves and their associates from legal issues and irregularities, public trust in the institution has steadily eroded. Frequent political meddling with the judiciary during the implementation phase of the constitution could undermine confidence in the constitution itself. Therefore, political parties must be cautious, as such interference affects not just individuals but the entire judicial system.

International practice of judge appointment 

For democracy to thrive, the judiciary must be independent and free from political influence.

17th-century French philosopher Montesquieu argued that when legislative and executive powers are concentrated in one body, independence cannot be maintained, and when the executive, legislative, and judicial branches are exercised by a single entity, democracy is hindered. This concept has been adopted by many democratic countries.

Since the constitution itself cannot exercise wisdom and judgment, there needs to be a development of constitutional culture and adherence to constitutional norms. Because the legislature makes laws, the executive may sometimes violate the constitution and laws or infringe upon individual rights. The executive, possessing both weapons and authority, can misuse power, making an independent judiciary necessary to prevent such actions.

Appointing judges by the legislature directly interferes with the principle of separation of powers and checks and balances, placing the judiciary under legislative control. When political representatives select judges, merit becomes irrelevant, which undermines judicial independence. Similarly, judges elected by popular vote must remain loyal to their voters, making impartiality difficult. Even appointments by executive order have not ensured judicial independence.

Therefore, the selection process for judicial officials must emphasize impartiality, independence, fearlessness, and individual qualifications, competence, experience, and conduct. The process and the laws governing appointments are crucial for judicial performance efficiency.

In the US, the President nominates Supreme Court justices, who must be approved by the Senate. This process often involves selecting candidates with similar political and ideological views. Despite the political nature of appointments, the judiciary operates independently. 

For instance, Joseph Story was appointed as a judge at the age of just 32 in 1811. James Byrnes, appointed in 1941, did not have a higher education certificate but gained legal knowledge through self-study. Brett Kavanaugh, who was recommended as a Supreme Court judge in 2019, faced allegations of sexual misconduct from three women dating back three decades. However, after discussions in the Senate, it was decided that his past behavior would not affect his current judicial performance, and he was appointed after receiving majority approval from the Senate. There are also examples of foreign-born individuals becoming judges. 

Supreme Court judges in the US are only dismissed under special circumstances or for misconduct, while experienced judges with 15 years of service and aged 65 or older can also be given responsibility in the Supreme Court.

After the US Federal Constitution was created, then-Chief Justice John Marshall in 1780 declared that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and it is the judiciary’s responsibility to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution. He asserted that even the President must operate under the Constitution. This interpretation strengthened American democracy and increased public trust that the President would not act against the country and its people. However, in 1857, then-Chief Justice Roger Taney’s interpretation that slaves could not be American citizens and that black people could not exercise the same rights as white people led to the American Civil War, causing great damage.

Consequently, although the US Constitution does not specify the age or qualifications of Supreme Court judges, it allows the President and Senate to determine qualifications as needed at their discretion. While the appointment of judges in the US appears to be purely political, it is claimed that there is no politicization within the courts, unlike in Nepal.

In the high courts of the United States and the United Kingdom, it is customary to appoint individuals as Supreme Court judges who have at least two years of experience as judges or have demonstrated exceptional expertise in the judicial field by practicing at the same level of court for 15 years. 

In neighboring India, although the constitution emphasizes the importance of executive power in the process of judge appointments, the judiciary has prioritized the role of the Chief Justice in these appointments through its interpretations and actions. A collegium of four senior-most justices, led by the Chief Justice, recommend appointments to the President, maintaining independence from the executive. Similar collegium system is followed while appointing judges for the High Court. 

In the British judicial tradition, individuals who have been associated with political parties, served as Attorney General, Members of Parliament, or Ministers are considered ineligible for judgeship. British society still believes that judges do not engage in corruption.

Policy for judicial appointments in Nepal 

According to Article 129 (2) of Nepal’s Constitution, the Chief Justice is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Constitutional Council, and other judges are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Judicial Council. Articles 140(1) and 292(1) outline the appointment process for High Court judges and the parliamentary hearing requirement for the Chief Justice and Supreme Court judges. Article 129(4) specifies a six-year term for the Chief Justice, while Articles 131(b) and 142(1)(b) set age limits for Supreme Court and High Court judges.

However, in practice, there has been noticeable political interference in the appointments of the Chief Justice and justices in the Supreme Court judges, as well as High Court judges. 

Balaram KC, former Supreme Court justice, says: “Individuals who have been MPs and ministers from political parties, presidents and officials of the Nepal Bar Association, Attorneys General, professors, individuals who have engaged in other businesses, amassed wealth abroad, or worked in influential law firms, and those who have failed to establish themselves in the legal profession are selectively appointed as judgesbased on connections, sometimes involving deals worth millions.” 

This manipulation undermines the judiciary's role in validating decisions and protecting political power, leading to significant degradation of public trust. The Nepal Bar, acting as a subsidiary of political parties, has further complicated the issue. Political statements, boycotts, and other disruptive actions are pushing Nepal’s judicial system into a critical state. The Judicial Council and other authorities must address these issues to safeguard the integrity of the justice system.

The government has decided to recall Nepali ambassadors to 11 countries including India and the United States.

A Cabinet meeting held on Thursday made the decision to this effect.

According to government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma, the government has decided to recall the Nepali ambassadors to India, the United States, the UK, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Malaysia, Spain, Portugal, Denmark and Israel.