Kathmandu : The Constitutional Council has recommended Prakashman Singh Raut, the most senior judge of the Supreme Court, for the position of Chief Justice.

The Council’s meeting, held in Baluwatar on Monday and chaired by Prime Minister KP Oli, unanimously endorsed Raut for the Chief Justice appointment.

The meeting was attended by Chief Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha, Speaker of the House of Representatives Devraj Ghimire, Leader of the Opposition Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Speaker of the National Assembly Narayan Dahal, and Deputy Speaker Indira Rana, all members of the Council.

Deputy Speaker Rana stated, “Seniors have been recommended since the beginning. This year, the recommendation is also based on seniority.”

The Judicial Council had earlier forwarded the names of eight judges who were eligible for the Chief Justice role. Raut, being the most senior among them, was selected by the Constitutional Council.

If approved by the Parliamentary Hearing Committee, the President will appoint Raut as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Prime Minister Oli had initially called for the Constitutional Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, but it was postponed and convened today instead.

Current Chief Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha is set to retire due to age limitations. Following his retirement, the Constitutional Council has recommended Raut to lead the judiciary.