Guwahati: Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been selected to head Nepal’s transitional government, making history as the country’s first woman Prime Minister after Gen Z-led protests forced the resignation of KP Sharma Oli’s administration.
The 72-year-old jurist, widely respected for her integrity, was chosen through an unprecedented public vote conducted on Discord by leaders of the youth movement. Her candidacy quickly drew support not only from protesters but also from mainstream political parties eager to stabilise the nation during a period of upheaval.
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Born in Biratnagar in 1952, Karki studied at Banaras Hindu University before completing her law degree from Tribhuvan University in 1978. She began her legal career in 1979, eventually serving as president of the Koshi Zonal Bar Association and the Biratnagar Appellate Bar before being elevated to the Supreme Court in 2009. In July 2016, she shattered barriers as Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice, earning a reputation for bold corruption verdicts against influential politicians. Her tenure ended controversially in June 2017 after an impeachment motion widely seen as political retaliation.
“She has agreed to shoulder such a huge challenge, demonstrating her courage. We all need to support her,” said former Supreme Court justice Ananda Mohan Bhattarai, expressing confidence in her ability to navigate the transition.
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Colleagues describe Karki as principled and uncompromising. “She has always maintained a high level of integrity in her entire life,” noted senior advocate Bipin Adhikari of Kathmandu University School of Law, urging her to form a capable advisory team.
Karki, married to Congress leader Durga Subedi—a veteran of the 1973 plane hijacking that funded the anti-Panchayat movement—has long been admired for her Gandhian values and simple lifestyle.
As transitional leader, her immediate priorities will be restoring governmental order, organising fresh elections, and balancing the demands of youth protesters with those of established parties.
“Gen Z found a true guardian in her. They have made the best choice,” Bhattarai said, dismissing concerns over generational divides under her leadership.
