KATHMANDU: Seven complaints have been registered with the Parliamentary Hearing Committee against proposed Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Sharma.

According to Ekram Giri, who also serves as spokesperson and joint secretary of the Federal Parliament Secretariat, the complaints had been filed by Saturday evening.

Earlier, on May 10, the Parliamentary Hearing Committee had issued a public notice inviting complaints against Sharma within a 10-day deadline. The committee asked anyone who believed Sharma was unsuitable for appointment as Chief Justice to submit complaints along with clear grounds and supporting evidence.

The committee had also stated that the identity of complainants would remain confidential, although individuals submitting complaints were required to clearly provide their name, address, and phone number.

The deadline for registering complaints remains open until office hours on Monday, and officials say the number of complaints could increase further.

Under Nepal’s constitutional provisions, appointments recommended by the Constitutional Council must undergo parliamentary hearing before final approval. The committee is responsible for assessing the nominee’s qualifications, conduct, competence, and background before the appointment process can proceed.

After preliminary discussions and investigation into the submitted complaints, the committee is scheduled to invite Sharma for a parliamentary hearing, where lawmakers will directly question him regarding the allegations and his suitability for the country’s top judicial post.