KATHMANDU: Opposition leader Bishma Raj Angdembe and National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal have submitted written dissent over the recommendation of Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma as Chief Justice.

They accused Prime Minister Balendra Shah of bypassing judicial seniority and convention by recommending fourth-ranked Justice Sharma without discussion, overlooking senior-most Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla.

“We could not support the move after seniority was ignored,” Dahal said.

Despite their objections, the Constitutional Council recommended Sharma’s name through a majority decision on Thursday.

If appointed after parliamentary hearing, Sharma will serve as Chief Justice until 2032.