- Chief Justice Manoj Sharma ordered all courts to resolve cases older than two years by mid-July to eliminate long-standing judicial backlogs.
- The directive mandates strict monitoring to curb irregularities and broker activities while ensuring punctual hearings and timely cause list publications.
- Courts must establish complaint-handling mechanisms and maintain professional conduct to enhance service delivery and restore public trust in the judiciary.
Kathmandu, Nepal : Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Sharma has issued a strict directive to subordinate courts to eliminate all cases older than two years by the end of the current fiscal year (mid-July) and to curb irregularities within the judiciary.
The directive comes amid concerns that the principle “justice delayed is justice denied” has not been effectively implemented in Nepal. In response, Chief Justice Sharma has called for urgent and concrete measures to improve judicial efficiency.
In a written circular addressed to Chief Judges of High Courts and Chief District Judges, he has instructed that the clearance of pending cases be treated as a top priority. The circular states: “Ensure that, by the end of this fiscal year, all cases older than two years are reduced to zero, and by the end of Poush 2083, cases exceeding eighteen months are also brought down to zero.”
He has further directed courts to publish cause lists on time, provide reasons in case of delays, and ensure that benches sit punctually for hearings. Courts have also been urged to work in coordination to minimize disruptions in hearings caused by various factors.
Chief Justice Sharma emphasized the need to control anomalies, irregularities, and broker-related activities within the judiciary. The directive calls for close monitoring at every stage—from court entry, case management, and summons service to hearings, judgment preparation, enforcement, record management, and overall service delivery.
He has also instructed strict supervision of court administration and judicial processes, directing officials to take immediate action in cases of irregularities and to submit reports with recommendations.
Directive to Establish Complaint-Handling Mechanism
Chief Justice Sharma has instructed courts to establish effective mechanisms for addressing complaints from service seekers, legal practitioners, and other stakeholders. The directive emphasizes maintaining records of complaints, ensuring their resolution, and informing complainants of the outcomes.
Additionally, courts are required to regularly submit brief progress reports on complaint management, improvements in service delivery, control of irregularities, and the clearance of case backlogs.
He has urged judges and court staff to maintain respectful and courteous behavior toward service users and to contribute to strengthening public trust in the judiciary.
Call for Collective Effort in a Changing Context
Stressing that individual efforts alone are insufficient, Chief Justice Sharma has called for collective commitment, coordination, and collaboration to achieve the desired results.
Highlighting the need to uphold good governance in line with public expectations, he has urged all state bodies to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. He also emphasized making judicial services faster, more accessible, and more efficient.
Referring to the post–Gen Z movement context, he underscored the importance of maintaining public confidence in the judiciary, stating, “I expect everyone to actively participate in the process of judicial delivery and reform.”
