Sushila Karki on Friday made history again, becoming Nepal’s first female executive head, leading the country’s transitional government. This remarkable achievement follows her earlier milestone in July 2016 when she became Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice, reported The Kathmandu Post.
Karki was chosen by Nepal’s Gen Z protesters who toppled PM KP Sharma Oli’s government, receiving the highest votes on Discord.
Her selection marks a rare moment of consensus in Nepali politics. Chosen through a public vote held by Gen Z leaders on the online platform Discord, she emerged as the most popular and acceptable figure—not only among the youth movement but also among traditional political forces seeking stability and credibility in a time of upheaval, according to The Kathmandu Post.
Karki aims to restore order, hold elections, and ensure Nepal’s development. She is acceptable to both youngsters and traditional political forces and is widely praised for her judicial independence.
Born on June 7, 1952, in Shankarpur, Biratnagar, Karki’s journey to national leadership has been built on decades of legal experience and an unwavering reputation for integrity. After completing her early education in Biratnagar, she earned a master’s degree from Banaras Hindu University in India, followed by a Bachelor of Laws from Tribhuvan University in 1978.
She began practising law in 1979 and, over the years, built a respected legal career, serving as president of both the Koshi Zonal Bar Association and the Biratnagar Appellate Bar, before being appointed a Supreme Court justice in 2009. In July 2016, she became Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice, known for issuing strong verdicts in high-profile corruption cases.
Though nominated to the top court under the Nepali Congress quota, those who worked closely with her stress that she always maintained judicial independence and never bowed to political pressure. Her tenure ended in June 2017 after a controversial impeachment motion, widely viewed as a political attempt to block her verdict on the police chief appointment, was filed against her by the then Sher Bahadur Deuba-led coalition.
Colleagues describe Karki as courageous and possessing the highest level of integrity. She is also known for her spartan lifestyle. Ananda Mohan Bhattarai, former Supreme Court justice, said Karki and her husband have made significant contributions to the country’s democratic movement, according to The Kathmandu Post.
“They are true Gandhians, not just in ideology but also in lifestyle. She has agreed to shoulder such a huge challenge, demonstrating her courage. We all need to support her,” said Bhattarai. “I am fully hopeful that she will lead through the transition period, embracing democratic principles at the highest level.”
Karki has remained vocal against corruption throughout her career. During her tenure, her bench issued landmark verdicts in corruption cases against politicians. Though she entered the top court through the Nepali Congress quota, she never compromised her integrity, according to those who know her work.
She is married to Durga Subedi, a Congress leader, who was involved in a plane hijacking in 1973 to fund the anti-Panchayat movement.
“She has always maintained a high level of integrity in her entire life,” said senior advocate Bipin Adhikari, professor at Kathmandu University School of Law. He added that in these challenging times, Karki needs a strong team to lead the government successfully.
Some argue that it might be difficult for her to align with the way the new generation wants to govern. However, Bhattarai believes this should not be a problem.
“Gen Z found a true guardian in her. They have made the best choice,” he said.
-ANI