KATHMANDU: The parliamentary hearing process for Chief Justice nominee Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma is set to begin today as part of the constitutional procedure for his appointment as Nepal’s next top judge.

Sharma, currently ranked fourth in judicial seniority, was recommended by the Constitutional Council in a meeting held on Thursday.

The Parliamentary Hearing Committee is scheduled to initiate scrutiny of his nomination before the final appointment process moves forward.

The recommendation has sparked political debate over the selection process and the functioning of the Constitutional Council.

The Nepali Congress has objected to recent ordinance-related provisions governing the Constitutional Council.

CPN (UML) General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has also criticized the decision, questioning why a fourth-ranked judge was chosen over more senior candidates.

The recommendation has intensified political debate as the parliamentary hearing process is set to formally begin.