Addressing the Republica Nagarik-Summit, he recalled the role played by the Supreme Court in defending citizens’ rights and press freedom during the king’s direct rule.[break]
Shrestha said independent judiciary is impossible under parliamentary control. “If SC is kept under the control of parliament, an independent judiciary is impossible,” Shrestha said.
“If judiciary and freedom of press is threatened, it also weakens the effectiveness of the state,” Shrestha further said adding that the new constitution should not have the provision of constitutional court just for the sake of experimentation.
Shrestha also praised Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal for his commitment to constitution and peace. “I heartily thank Dahal for his political paper,” he said. “He should have done that a long time ago.”
Root out corruption
Former finance secretary Rameshwore Khanal said public offices have failed to raise their stature due to widespread corruption.
“The harsh reality is that we even sell citizenship certificates for our vested interests,” Khanal said while addressing the Republica - Nagarik Summit organized by Nepal Republic Media Pvt Ltd to mark the second anniversary of Republica daily, and its sister publication Nagarik. Khanal, who recently resigned his post, said, “Unless citizens have faith on public offices, no state can prosper.”
Khanal also said that discrepancy between words and deeds and the tendency to use institutions for personal benefits are the major obstacles to progress.
Khanal, however, said that this can be checked and urged all citizens to understand and fulfill their duties and raise their voice against corruption.
“If a chief justice can change the image of the Supreme Court, it is possible to raise the stature of other public offices,” he said referring to CJ Ram Prasad Shrestha.
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