What Was the Sushila Karki Impeachment Case? Full Details Explained

Sushila Karki is one of the most influential figures in Nepal’s political and judicial history. Known today as Nepal’s first female interim Prime Minister (appointed in September 2025), she first rose to national attention as the country’s first woman Chief Justice in 2016. But her tenure was shaken by the Sushila Karki impeachment case in 2017, a landmark event that tested the balance of power between Nepal’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

This article explains the full story of the Sushila Karki impeachment: from the police chief ruling that triggered it, to the parliamentary motion, her automatic suspension, the public outcry, international reaction, and the eventual withdrawal of the case. By the end, you’ll understand why the impeachment remains a pivotal episode in Nepal’s democratic journey.

Early Life and Legal Foundation

• Born: June 7, 1952, Biratnagar, Nepal

• Education: Master’s in Political Science, Banaras Hindu University (1975); Law degree, Tribhuvan University (1978)

Sushila Karki grew up as the eldest of seven in a modest farming family. Despite limited opportunities for women at the time, her parents supported her education. She pursued political science in India and later law in Nepal, laying the groundwork for her legal career.

Her integrity and clarity as a lawyer earned her recognition. By 2007, she became a Senior Advocate, and two years later, she was appointed to Nepal’s Supreme Court. These experiences prepared her for her historic role and for the challenges that came with the Sushila Karki impeachment case.

Becoming Nepal’s First Female Chief Justice

On July 10, 2016, Karki was appointed Chief Justice of Nepal — the first woman to ever hold this office.

During her tenure:

• She presided over landmark corruption cases.

• She prioritized transparency and judicial independence.

• She challenged executive overreach, earning respect from reformers.

Her tenure as Chief Justice was defined by bold decisions and fearless independence. But behind these public achievements, her family life, including Sushila Karki’s husband, also played a role in shaping her journey.

Trigger for the Sushila Karki Impeachment

The spark came from the 2017 controversy over the appointment of Nepal’s police chief.

• The government, led by Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre), appointed Jaya Bahadur Chand as Inspector General of Police.

• Critics argued that Chand’s selection was politically motivated.

• Navaraj Silwal, next in line by seniority, challenged the appointment in the Supreme Court.

On February 28, 2017, Chief Justice Karki’s bench overturned Chand’s appointment, ruling in favor of Silwal. The decision stressed merit and seniority over political favoritism.

While many saw this as a defense of institutional integrity, ruling party leaders viewed it as interference. Their anger soon transformed into the Sushila Karki impeachment motion.

The Impeachment Motion

On April 30, 2017:

• 249 lawmakers signed the motion against Karki.

• It accused her of “taking sides in cases” and “interfering with executive powers.”

• Under Nepal’s 2015 constitution, the filing automatically suspended her as Chief Justice.

This suspension was unprecedented in Nepal and marked the beginning of the formal Sushila Karki impeachment proceedings.

Public and International Reaction

The suspension sparked widespread protests across Nepal.

• Lawyers, students, and activists rallied in support of Karki.

• Civil society groups called the impeachment unconstitutional.

• The media portrayed her as a victim of political vendettas.

Globally, the Sushila Karki impeachment case also drew attention:

• Human Rights Watch called it an attempt to override judicial independence.

• The International Commission of Jurists raised alarms over political interference in Nepal’s judiciary.

• International organizations urged Nepal’s leaders to respect separation of powers.

Supreme Court Intervention

On May 8, 2017, the Supreme Court itself intervened:

• It issued a stay order, halting the impeachment.

• It ruled the automatic suspension clause flawed.

• Karki was reinstated as Chief Justice.

This turning point weakened the impeachment effort and gave momentum to her supporters.

Withdrawal of the Motion and Retirement

Mounting public pressure and political fallout followed:

• Deputy Prime Minister Bimalendra Nidhi resigned in protest.

• Coalition tensions grew, with parties withdrawing support.

• Facing backlash, lawmakers eventually withdrew the impeachment motion.

On June 7, 2017, Karki retired at age 65, completing her term without removal. The Sushila Karki impeachment case ended in her favor, but its legacy endured.

Impact of the Sushila Karki Impeachment

The impeachment attempt had lasting consequences:

• It exposed weaknesses in Nepal’s young democracy.

• It sparked reforms around protecting judicial independence.

• It boosted Karki’s image as a fearless defender of justice.

What once seemed like an attempt to end her career instead became the stepping stone to greater responsibility. Today, she stands as the current Prime Minister of Nepal, carrying forward the same spirit of integrity that defined her time on the bench.

Key Phases of the Sushila Karki Impeachment

1. Trigger: Supreme Court ruling overturning police chief appointment (Feb 2017).

2. Motion Filed: 249 MPs signed the impeachment motion (April 30, 2017).

3. Suspension: Karki automatically suspended from office.

4. Protests: Widespread demonstrations and international condemnation.

5. Stay Order: Supreme Court reinstated Karki (May 2017).

6. Withdrawal: Political fallout led to the motion being dropped.

7. Retirement: Karki retired in June 2017, completing her tenure.

Conclusion

The Sushila Karki impeachment case remains one of the most important legal and political episodes in Nepal’s history. It highlighted the fragile balance between executive power and judicial independence, while showcasing Karki’s resilience under immense pressure.

Today, as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal, her impeachment battle adds depth to her leadership story, proving that standing firm for justice can inspire democratic reform.