Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla has taken charge as Acting Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, becoming only the second woman to lead the country’s highest judicial body. She follows Sushila Karki, who made history as the first woman to hold the post.
Malla assumed the role after the retirement of Prakash Man Singh Raut, who stepped down upon reaching the constitutional age limit of 65. As the senior-most justice on the bench, Malla’s appointment follows a constitutional provision that places her in the acting role until a new chief justice is formally appointed.
Her tenure begins at a time of institutional delay. The process to appoint a permanent chief justice has been stalled, largely due to the inability of the Constitutional Council to convene following the dissolution of the House of Representatives last year. Key parliamentary positions remain unfilled, slowing down the formation of the required hearing committee and delaying the recommendation process.
Malla brings decades of legal experience to the position. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2016, she has worked extensively on issues related to gender justice, human rights, and constitutional law. Her judicial record includes decisions that have helped shape legal protections against gender-based violence and strengthened women’s rights.
Before joining the bench, she was actively involved in legal reform, policy work, and international human rights advocacy. She also served in Nepal’s first Constituent Assembly and has contributed to several key legislative efforts.
Her appointment marks both a symbolic and substantive moment for the judiciary, even as the country awaits the selection of a permanent chief justice in the coming weeks.