KATHMANDU:  CPN (UML) General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has expressed dissatisfaction over the latest decision of the Constitutional Council and the government’s working style.

He claimed that the decision taken by the Constitutional Council meeting—held after suspending the parliamentary session and through an ordinance—clearly reflects the government’s intent.

Pokharel made his remarks through social media after the Constitutional Council recommended a judge ranked fourth in seniority for the post of Chief Justice.

He described the move as unusual, arguing that overlooking three more senior judges in such a respected institution like the judiciary was inappropriate.

The UML leader also accused the government of trying to bring the judiciary under its influence rather than treating it as an independent institution.

He said, “While there have long been allegations of politicisation in the judiciary, judicial activism was often seen against the government. Perhaps the current government is now trying to establish its own influence within the judiciary.”

According to Pokharel, such actions weaken the fundamental principles of checks and balances in parliamentary democracy.

He warned that increasing political interference in the judiciary raises the risk of the country drifting toward authoritarianism.