KATHMANDU: The Parliamentary Hearing Committee conducted hearings on Monday for Supreme Court judge nominee Shanti Singh Thapa and proposed Judicial Council member Mahesh Kumar Nepal.

The session, held at Singha Durbar, followed Sunday’s hearings of SC judge nominees Meghraj Pokharel and Shree Kanta Paudel.

Although all candidates have now faced hearings, the committee has yet to decide on whether to endorse their appointments.

Committee Chair Ishwari Devi Neupane stated that discussions on the nominees are still ongoing and a final decision will be made in the next meeting, citing members’ busy schedules.

During the hearing, committee members questioned Shanti Singh Thapa about her future plans. She responded that the Constitution clearly defines the boundaries for the judiciary, legislature, and executive, leaving no room for interference.

She added that if non-interference turns into arbitrariness, the principle of checks and balances must be applied. Thapa affirmed her commitment to working within the framework of the Constitution and laws, upholding the principle of separation of powers.

Meanwhile, Mahesh Kumar Nepal, recommended for the Judicial Council, pledged to perform his duties with seriousness, full constitutional responsibility, and work towards strengthening an independent, impartial, and competent judiciary.