Sushila Karki: Nepal's Unyielding First Woman Chief Justice

In a nation where gender barriers often stand tall, one name shines brightly as a beacon of progress and justice: Sushila Karki. She carved an indelible mark in Nepal’s history as the nation’s first and only woman to ascend to the highest judicial office – the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Her journey is not just a personal triumph but a powerful narrative of resilience, judicial integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

Born in Biratnagar, Morang district, Sushila Karki’s path to legal eminence was paved through dedicated academic pursuit. She completed her Bachelor of Arts from Mahendra Morang Adarsha Multiple Campus, followed by a Master of Arts in Political Science from the prestigious Banaras Hindu University.

Her formal legal education culminated with a Bachelor of Laws (B.L.) from Tribhuvan University, laying the groundwork for a formidable career in jurisprudence.

Karki embarked on her legal practice in 1979, dedicating over three decades to the legal profession before her elevation to the Supreme Court.

Her diligent work and profound understanding of law did not go unnoticed. In 2009, she was appointed an ad-hoc judge, swiftly transitioning to a permanent judge of the Supreme Court, a testament to her capabilities and ethical standing. The pinnacle of her career arrived in 2016 when she was sworn in as the Chief Justice of Nepal, breaking a significant glass ceiling and inspiring countless women across the country to pursue their ambitions without fear.

During her tenure, Justice Karki became synonymous with judicial activism and a fierce stance against corruption.

She was not merely a judge but a guardian of justice, known for her bold pronouncements and her relentless efforts to uphold the sanctity of the judiciary. Her landmark rulings included pivotal decisions against corruption in high-profile tax evasion cases, directives for environmental protection, and crucial judgments safeguarding women's rights – areas where her influence truly reshaped legal discourse and societal expectations.

Her tenure, though relatively short, was marked by an unwavering commitment to independence, even in the face of political pressure.

A notable instance of this was the impeachment motion filed against her in 2017 by ruling coalition parties, following a Supreme Court order regarding the appointment of the Inspector General of Police. This move, widely seen as an assault on judicial independence, ultimately failed, with the motion being withdrawn, further solidifying her image as an unyielding defender of the judiciary's autonomy.

Sushila Karki retired in 2017, leaving behind a legacy that transcends her judicial decisions.

She demonstrated that leadership knows no gender, and that integrity, courage, and dedication can indeed bring about transformative change. As Nepal's first woman Chief Justice, she didn't just preside over courts; she presided over a new era of possibilities, becoming a powerful role model for women and a symbol of hope for a more just and equitable society.

Her story remains a vibrant chapter in Nepal's journey towards progress, reminding everyone that with conviction and courage, even the most formidable barriers can be shattered.