Nepal's first female Chief Justice, Sushila Karki, is once again in the spotlight. This time, she is emerging as a potential alternative to KP Sharma Oli as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal. Ironically, it was Oli himself who supported her appointment on July 11, 2016, as Nepal's first female Chief Justice, a position from which he has now been removed.
During her one-year tenure, Karki established herself as an unyielding judge by handing down decisive rulings against some Nepalese ministers and influential bureaucrats. Yet, a compelling aspect of her life is the controversial past of her husband, Durga Prasad Subedi, who was involved in Nepal's first plane hijacking, with renowned Bollywood actress Mala Sinha on board.
Sushila Karki: A Beacon of Fearlessness and Reform
Sushila Karki was born in Biratnagar, Nepal. Her family had a close relationship with BP Koirala, the founder of the Nepali Congress. Her father aspired for her to be a doctor, but Karki opted for the law. She earned a Master's degree in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where she met her husband, Durga Prasad Subedi. Later, she completed her law studies at Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu. Karki's career was marked by a staunch stance against corruption and efforts for judicial reform. Her courage and independence distinguished her in Nepal's judicial history.
A Controversial Past: Nepal's First Plane Hijacking
Sushila Karki's husband, Durga Prasad Subedi, is linked to a controversial chapter in Nepal's history. In 1973, during King Mahendra's reign, Nepal experienced its first plane hijacking. On June 10, 1973, a Royal Nepal Airlines flight from Biratnagar to Kathmandu was hijacked. Onboard were 19 passengers, including the famous Bollywood actress Mala Sinha.
The primary motive of the hijacking was not the passengers, but the cash of 3 million rupees being transported from banks in Biratnagar. This hijacking was orchestrated by then Nepali Congress leader and future Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, aiming to raise funds for an armed struggle against the monarchy.
Durga Prasad Subedi, who was recently released from jail, was a close ally of Koirala. The hijacked plane was landed in Forbesganj, Bihar, India, and the looted money was subsequently taken by car to Darjeeling. Subedi and the other hijackers were later arrested in Mumbai and imprisoned for two years. They were released during the Emergency in India in 1975.
Carving an Independent Path
Despite her husband's controversial past, Sushila Karki carved her own independent path. Her fight against corruption remained unwavering. As Chief Justice, she passed numerous landmark rulings. Her most notable achievement was sentencing the then Information and Communications Minister Jai Prakash Gupta to prison while he was still in office.
This marked the first time in Nepalese history that a sitting minister was handed such a sentence. Additionally, she ordered the removal of Lokman Singh Karki, the head of the anti-corruption bureau, who then went into exile in Canada. Through her rulings, Karki not only demonstrated her commitment to fighting corruption but also advanced judicial reforms. Her fearlessness earned her respect among the public, particularly the younger generation speaking out against corruption and authoritarianism.
A Tenure of Challenges
However, Sushila Karki's tenure was not without challenges. Her bold decisions sparked controversies in political circles. The Nepalese Parliament filed an impeachment motion against her, accusing her of interfering in executive actions, which temporarily suspended her. However, the Supreme Court later reinstated her as Chief Justice. This incident provided an opportunity to bring about changes in Nepal's constitutional framework. The Supreme Court revised the rules, ensuring that a mere filing of an impeachment motion would not lead to the Chief Justice's suspension.
Currently, Nepal is experiencing violent protests led by Gen-Z against corruption and authoritarianism. These protestors have proposed Sushila Karki's name as the interim Prime Minister. Her bravery and proven battle against corruption make her a strong candidate for this role. If she accepts this position, once again, she'll need to exhibit the fearlessness that made her Nepal's first female Chief Justice.
A Complex yet Inspiring Life
Sushila Karki's life is both inspiring and complex. Her family had a profound connection with the Nepali Congress, and her husband's involvement in a controversial hijacking is an aspect of her life she doesn't hide. Nonetheless, through hard work and dedication, she forged a respected and independent identity. During her studies at Banaras Hindu University, she met Durga Prasad Subedi, a close ally of Koirala at the time. While this meeting shaped her personal life, professionally, she advanced solely on her merit.
