In a historic and politically charged development, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been appointed as the head of Nepal's new interim government, following days of mass protests led by Gen-Z youth
demanding a complete political overhaul. President Ram Chandra Poudel made the appointment after reaching an agreement with Karki and representatives of youth campaigners. The decision comes after the President agreed to dissolve the House of Representatives — one of the protestors' key demands-prior to Karki assuming office. Sources at the President's Office confirmed that the formal announcement of the dissolution is expected shortly.
Her oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for 9.00pm local time. As of 8.45pm IST, preparations were underway at the presidential premises in Kathmandu. Senior security officials, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Chairperson of the National Assembly have been called to attend the proceedings.
Sushila Karki first made history in 2016 when she became the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of Nepal's Supreme Court. Her appointment came after a recommendation by the Constitutional Council, then chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Now, nine years later, Former chief justice Karki is poised to take charge of the nation's interim government-ironically, following the resignation of the very leader who once helped appoint her to the judiciary. PM KP Oli stepped down amid mounting pressure and violent unrest that gripped the country over the past week.
Born in Biratnagar in 1952, Sushila Karki pursued her higher education at Nepal's Tribhuvan University before moving to India. She obtained a master's degree in political science from Banaras Hindu University and later returned to Kathmandu to earn her bachelor's degree in law from Tribhuvan University.
She is married to Durga Subedi, a former youth leader in the Nepali Congress party.
Sushila Karki is widely respected for her legal acumen and independence, having earned a reputation as a reformist judge during her time on the bench.
At least 51 people have died in recent days as Gen-Z-led demonstrators clashed with security forces across Nepal. The protests, initially sparked by a controversial blanket social media ban, quickly morphed into a nationwide uprising against systemic corruption and elite privilege.
Before the ban, platforms like TikTok and Instagram had become the epicentre of a digital movement led by young citizens. Protestors criticized the lavish lifestyles of politically connected "nepo kids" while much of the youth population struggled with joblessness and economic insecurity.
Chanting slogans like "Youth Against Corruption," protestors demanded an end to nepotism, misgovernance, and the concentration of power among entrenched political elites.
Sushila Karki's appointment is being seen as a response to the country's urgent call for clean, impartial leadership. Her legal background and outsider status in the political establishment offer hope for a fresh start-though her administration will be under close watch.
With the Parliament's dissolution expected and a new interim leadership in place, Nepal stands at a critical juncture. Whether this transition leads to long-term reform or merely a temporary pause in political unrest remains to be seen.