KATHMANDU, Sept 13: The government has been working to complete the task of forming the high courts under the federal system by Sunday, September 18, which is within the deadline set by the new Constitution.
Parliament endorsed the three bills -- concerning the Judicial Administration, Judicial Council and Judicial Service Commission -- on Sunday, paving the way for establishing the seven high courts. The bills are in the process to getting the endorsement of the president.
"The government will complete all the tasks for forming the high courts prior to the deadline," said Dilli Raj Ghimire, spokesperson of the Ministry of Law and Justice.
The new Constitution has made it mandatory to replace the appellate courts within one year of its commencement. The new Constitution was promulgated on September 20 last year.
Article 300 (3) of the Constitution provisions the formation of the high courts and dissolution of the existing appellate courts and this must all be completed by September 20.
"Right after endorsement of the bills by the president, the government will write to the Judicial Council for its recommendations regarding formation of the high courts," said Ghimire.
The Judicial Administration Bill provisions setting up a high court in the provincial capitals of all seven provinces and converting the remaining appellate courts into benches at the high courts. The government is yet to announce the capitals of the seven provinces.
"The council will hold its meeting to make its recommendations after receiving the government's letter seeking the recommendation," said Devendra Dhakal, spokesperson of the Judicial Council.
The bill proposes that the total number of judges at all the seven high courts should not exceed 160, and one high court should have at least 11 judges, including a chief judge.
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