Who is Sushila Karki? Ex-Chief Justice picked to lead Nepal in its hour of turmoil after KP Oli's ouster

Former Chief Justice of Nepal Sushila Karki chosen as interim leader - File Image

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been appointed as Nepal’s interim leader following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli amid nationwide protests. Karki, Nepal’s first woman chief justice, is expected to steer the country through the ongoing crisis until fresh elections are held.

Karki's name was finalised during a virtual meeting held by members of the Gen-Z movement earlier today.

On Tuesday, Nepal President Ram Chandra Poudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stepped down from their positions as the protests turned violent. Hundreds of protesters stormed the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday, torching the Supreme Court and Parliament buildings and vandalising several leaders’ homes after clashes left 19 people dead and more than 300 injured.

Karki was born in Biratnagar on June 7, 1952. In 1972, she earned a Bachelor of Arts from Mahendra Morang Campus, Biratnagar. She completed a master’s in political science from Banaras Hindu University, India, in 1975, and a law degree from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, in 1978.

Sushila Karki is widely regarded in Nepal as a strong voice against corruption. One of her landmark rulings allowed Nepali women to pass citizenship to their children, a right previously limited to men. Hari Phuyal, a former student and senior lawyer, said in 2016 that she “strongly believes that competent women should be in leadership positions for the emancipation of women.”

While Gen Z protesters had considered Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, they ultimately chose Karki for her reputation in fighting corruption. According to Khabarhub, she expressed her willingness to lead the government over a phone call. Gen Z representatives are set to meet Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel to discuss forming the interim government under her leadership. If approved, Karki will guide Nepal through its political crisis.

Her neutrality and credibility are longstanding. In 2017, the Prachanda-led government faced turmoil when her impeachment was attempted, sparking street protests. Karki also presided over high-profile corruption cases, including Om Bhakta Rana. CIAA addressing peacekeeping corruption and Prithivi Bahadur Pandey v. Kathmandu District Court on banknote printing irregularities. She has ruled on surrogacy and property rights of the former royal family.