Lokman Singh Karki is no longer the Head of Nepal's anti-corruption watchdog, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).
The Supreme Court on Sunday nullified Karki’s appointment, ruling that he lacked requisite experience and moral character to head a constitutional body like the CIAA.
After the SC verdict, advocate Om Aryal who had challenged Karki's appointment told Nepali Times: "The rule of law has been re-established. His appointment was against good governance, and its cancellation is a big step towards good governance."
Karki was unanimously recommended by the Nepali Congress, the UML, the Maoists and the MJF (D) as the CIAA Chief in 2013. Former Chief Justice and Chairman of the Council of Ministers Khil Raj Regmi strongly backed his appointment. Despite protests within these parties, and from civil society members, President Ram Baran Yadav endorsed Karki's appointment.
Advocate Aryal had filed a writ petition against Karki's appointment, arguing that he had not served as a public servant for 20 years and was implicated by the Rayamajhi Commission in suppressing the 2006 Democracy Movement.
The SC immediately quashed Aryal's writ, but he moved the court again to review it. After Sushila Karki became Chief Justice, the SC had decided to review Aryal's writ.
The SC had resumed hearings on the writ on Thursday. After days of hearings, the SC finally annulled Karki's appointment.
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