KATHMANDU: Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha has been awarded the ‘Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080’, established in honor of the late Hem Bahadur Malla, the founder of Salt Trading Corporation.

The award was presented to Shrestha by Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut during a joint event organized today by the Nepal Public Administration Association and the Corporation.

According to the organizers, the award was presented to Shrestha in recognition of his significant contributions to judicial leadership and institutional development.

The award carries a cash prize of NPR 200,000 and a letter of commendation.

Shrestha, who holds formal academic qualifications in law and political science, served as a judge in the district, appellate, and supreme courts, eventually becoming the 25th Chief Justice of Nepal.

He was honored for his distinguished role in transitional justice, inclusive democracy, and environmental adjudication, reflecting his impactful decisions, stance, and vision.

The awardee was selected by a recommendation committee chaired by former Public Service Commission chairman Umesh Mainali.

On the occasion, Chief Justice Raut described Shrestha as a personality capable of representing the entirety of Nepal’s judicial history.

“His contributions to the rule of law, judicial integrity, independent judiciary, and human rights are noteworthy,” Raut said.

In his remarks, Shrestha emphasized that poor service delivery by various arms and levels of the state had made good governance difficult, urging stakeholders to pay serious attention to accountability.

Committee coordinator Mainali highlighted Shrestha’s strong institutional leadership, intellect, conviction, and prudence as key reasons behind the recommendation.

Corporation Chair Pradeep Lal Shrestha noted that Salt Trading Corporation has been working to ensure the smooth supply of essential consumer goods.

The Hem Bahadur Malla Award was established in 2075 BS to honor the legacy of renowned administrator and manager Hem Bahadur Malla, who led Salt Trading Corporation in advancing public distribution and service management.

Every year, the Association honors individuals or institutions with outstanding contributions in public administration, management, and public service.

Past recipients include Kedar Bhakta Mathema, Chadani Joshi, Dr. Bhagwan Koirala, Mahabir Pun, Ambika Shrestha, Bhoj Raj Pokharel, Kulman Ghising, Dr. Sanduk Ruit, Dr. Gauri Shankar Lal Das, and Dr. Bhesh Bahadur Thapa.