Sushila Karki, the first woman Chief Justice of the country, has now taken oath as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal. She became interim PM amid protests ousting PM Oli. She took the oath of office and secrecy at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Sheetal Niwas at 8:45 pm (local time) on Friday. After the political turmoil in the country, Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath to Sushila Karki (Interim PM of Nepal 2025). Finally her appointment amid protests and a political crisis is a sign of new hope.
Sushila Karki is not a common face. She is known as an honest, fair and strong woman leader. Especially her decisions on transitional justice and election disputes made her popular among the public.
Modi Congrats, Sushila Karki
Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi, extended his best wishes to Mrs Sushila Karki on becoming the Interim Prime Minister of Nepal. Moreover, he assured that India will remain firmly committed to the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Nepal.
Sushila Karki: Breaking Barriers in Nepal’s Judiciary
When the history of Nepal’s judiciary is written, the name Sushila Karki will always stand tall. In a country where women have long struggled to break through systemic barriers, she rose to become the first woman Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court. Thus, this landmark achievement symbolised hope, progress, and empowerment.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1952 in Biratnagar, Nepal, Sushila Karki grew up in a society where opportunities for women were limited. But her determination and dedication to education set her apart. She studied political science at Banaras Hindu University, India, and later pursued a law degree at Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Her academic path reflected her deep commitment to justice and governance.
Judicial Career of Sushila Karki
Sushila Karki’s career in law began as an advocate and legal educator before she entered the judicial system. Later, she was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court in 2010. Over the years, she gained a reputation for her integrity, fearless decisions, and straightforward approach to justice.
Her judgments often emphasised accountability, transparency, and fairness. She was respected for standing firm against corruption and misuse of power, even when her positions challenged powerful political actors.
Chief Justice of Nepal
In 2016, Karki made history by becoming the first woman Chief Justice of Nepal. Her appointment was celebrated as a milestone for gender equality and women’s representation in leadership.
As Chief Justice, she handled several high-profile and politically sensitive cases. Notably, she maintained judicial independence and stood against undue political interference in the courts. However, her tenure was not without challenges—she faced political pressure and even a controversial impeachment motion in 2017, which many observers described as an attack on judicial independence. The motion was later withdrawn, but the episode highlighted the hurdles she had to overcome as both a reform-minded judge and a woman in power.
Legacy and Inspiration
Sushila Karki retired in 2017, but her impact on Nepal’s judiciary and society endures. She paved the way for future generations of women in law, proving that leadership and integrity transcend gender.
Her life story continues to inspire:
- For women and girls, no barrier is insurmountable.
- For lawyers and judges, justice must always stand above politics.
- For society, real progress requires courage to challenge tradition.
Conclusion
Sushila Karki’s journey from a young girl in Biratnagar to Nepal’s interim PM is a remarkable testament to perseverance, courage, and justice. She broke the glass ceiling of Nepal’s judiciary, setting an example not just for her country, but for South Asia and beyond. Hope she will create milestones in Nepalese politics. Moreover, her name remains a beacon of courage, fairness, and women’s empowerment in Nepal’s history.
