Sushila Karki is set to script history as she takes oath today as Nepal’s first female Prime Minister, leading the interim government formed after deadly violence and civilian unrest in the country. The oath-taking ceremony will be held at 9 PM, followed by the first cabinet meeting which is expected to recommend the dissolution of Parliament.
Education background
Born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, Karki is the eldest of seven siblings. She completed her bachelor’s degree in law from Mahendra Morang Campus, Biratnagar in 1972, followed by a master’s degree in political science from Banaras Hindu University in 1975. Later, she earned another bachelor’s degree in law from Tribhuvan University in 1978.
Legal and professional career
Karki began practicing law in Biratnagar in 1979. She rose through the legal ranks to become a senior lawyer in 2007 and was appointed an ad hoc judge of the Supreme Court in 2009. By 2010, she became a permanent judge, and in July 2016, she created history as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, serving until June 2017.
Her tenure was marked by bold judgments against corruption, although she was briefly suspended in 2017 after an impeachment motion was filed against her. The motion was later withdrawn under public pressure and following a Supreme Court intervention.
Books authored by Karki
Sushila Karki is also an author. She has written two notable works:
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Nyaya: An Autobiography, which chronicles her legal journey and experiences.
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Kara, a book highlighting the oppression and struggles of Nepali women, inspired by her time in Biratnagar Jail.
Notable cases handled
Some of her most prominent cases include Om Bhakta Rana v. CIAA/Government of Nepal, dealing with corruption in peacekeeping missions, and Prithivi Bahadur Pandey v. Kathmandu District Court, which investigated the printing of polymer banknotes in Australia.
Gen Z’s choice for leadership
Her appointment comes after members of Nepal’s Gen Z community rallied behind her, citing her strong anti-corruption stance and fearless legacy in public service. Speaking in a recent interview, Karki said she accepted the call to lead after seeing overwhelming support from the youth.
With her oath scheduled for tonight, Sushila Karki is poised to usher in a new chapter in Nepal’s political history, combining her rich judicial background with the responsibility of leading a nation in transition.
