Press Statement
May a fair and prompt investigation be launched into the allegations against the judges
Transparency International Nepal (TI Nepal) has taken serious note of recent media reports alleging improper links between intermediaries and several justices, including the chief justice of the supreme court, as well as the public responses issued by the judges concerned. These developments come against the backdrop of long-standing public concerns about the influence of political actors, government agencies, and intermediaries on the independence and integrity of Nepal’s judicial system.
TI Nepal believes that any contact or engagement by judges with parties, intermediaries, or other influential individuals connected to matters under judicial consideration raises serious ethical concerns and constitutes a breach of the standards of conduct and professional integrity expected of members of the judiciary. Given the seriousness of the allegations and the widely recognized need for meaningful judicial reform, the explanations provided thus far are unlikely, on their own, to restore public confidence or adequately address the concerns that have been raised.
Judges hold a position of exceptional public trust and are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, beyond the minimum requirements prescribed by law. In this context, TI Nepal considers it appropriate that those judges named in the media reports, and those who have publicly acknowledged the issues in question, refrain from undertaking judicial functions until the concerns surrounding them have been resolved.
As Parliament is the constitutional body responsible for overseeing the independence and effective functioning of the executive and the judiciary, TI Nepal calls for a prompt, fact-based inquiry through the appropriate parliamentary committee and for necessary action to be taken based on its findings. TI Nepal further urges that the assets of the judges concerned be included within the scope of the investigation.
Saroj Prasad Pandey
Vice President
Transparency International Nepal (TI Nepal)
November 2, 2026
