KATHMANDU: Chief Justice (CJ) Prakashman Singh Raut has said that the Judicial Council is not only an institution to appoint judges but a constitutional body to build character of the entire judiciary.

At a programme organized on the occasion of the Judicial Council Day 2082 on Thursday, the Chief Justice said that the Council is a body to shape the character of the judiciary.

The Council is a constitutional patron determining the standards of judicial qualification and every decision of the Council not only reflects an individual or organization but directly impacts the public trust towards the judiciary, according to the Chief Justice.

The Chief Justice was of the view that positive support from all stakeholders was needed for enhancing effectiveness of the Council and added that a free, impartial and efficient judiciary as envisioned by the constitution was possible through collective efforts of all.

On the occasion, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Anil Kumar Sinha said that all should work for institutional strengthening to uphold judicial independence and boost the morale of the judiciary.

Senior Justice of the Supreme Court Sapana Pradhan Malla urged the justices to work by being fair, fearless and efficient.

Also speaking at the event, Attorney General Sabita Baral viewed that attention should be paid for responsive and people-centric justice delivery.

Similarly, President of Nepal Bar Association Prof Dr Bijay Prasad Mishra claimed that the House of Representatives (HoR) should be restored if the elections were not held in time to advance the country on the constitutional track.