"I have been informed that prime ministers used to consult law ministry before recommending anyone for the post of JC member," he said in a press meet organized by his ministry, adding, "prime minister has constitutional rights to recommend. But, a politically independent individual should have been appointed as a JC member. Dhungana is not a politically independent figure and thus the prime minister failed to maintain fairness in the appointment process."[break]
Sah also criticized Prime Minister Khanal for taking unilateral decisions ignoring the spirit of a coalition government and trying to convert the JC, an independent judicial body, into a center to recruit party cadres and leaders flouting the norms and values of independent judiciary.
"JC is an independent body. It´s not a center for recruiting one´s party cadres and leaders," said Shah, adding, "As per what I know, Dhungana had been serving as a member of CPN-UML disciplinary committee, thus, his appointment doesn´t send good message to the public."
Sah also pointed out that the appointment process itself was not transparent.
"I came to know about Dhungana´s appointment through media. I was never consulted before the appointment which I was essential considering the fact that I head the line ministry," he said, adding, "I have also reservation over prime minister´s decision to appoint candidates in other institutions like University Grant Commission, Office of the Attorney General."
Sah said that he will decide on whether or not to continue in his ministerial post depending on how the PM acts in the days ahead.
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