KATHMANDU: The investigation report prepared by the commission led by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki on Gen Z uprising has found that Nepal’s judiciary is heavily influenced by political interests, eroding public trust, and has recommended comprehensive reforms to restore credibility and accessibility.

The commission’s report notes that the prevalent practice of appointing judges through political party quotas-often favoring party members or individuals representing parties—has significantly undermined public confidence in the justice system.

The report, spanning pages 773 to 748, outlines numerous reform measures. It highlights concerns that judges are often accused of being influenced by government positions while delivering justice. “When the judiciary, which should serve as an independent and trustworthy institution, falls under political influence, ordinary citizens perceive democracy itself as weakened,” the report states.

The inquiry also pointed out issues in the legal profession, noting that fees charged by lawyers are arbitrary due to the lack of standardized guidelines, creating barriers for ordinary citizens seeking legal remedies. “Many cannot even file simple petitions. Regulatory bodies must establish uniform, work-based fees to ensure equitable access to justice for the public,” the report recommends.

The commission emphasizes that reform must start from within the judiciary. “The Supreme Court should lead by establishing a commission chaired by one of its own judges to propose and implement reforms. To eliminate public distrust, ensure justice is transparent, efficient, and affordable, and expedite case processing, the Court must address practices where lawyers manipulate proceedings, select benches, or overcrowd cases with numerous advocates giving repetitive arguments,” the report states.

It further recommends that once a lead lawyer presents the factual background of a case, only legal points of contention should be debated, preventing hours of unnecessary arguments that waste court time. The report calls for reforms that curb professional abuses and ensure that justice is not dominated by lawyers to the detriment of accessibility.

The commission also highlighted that lack of access and financial constraints have made justice distant and inaccessible for the general public, contributing to widespread frustration with the judiciary. “Such practices periodically erode the credibility and dignity of the judiciary. Now, everyone must consider how to correct these systemic distortions,” the report concludes.