Supreme Court Schedules Hearing on Writ Petition Against Insurance Authority Chairman’s Appointment
Kathmandu – The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for Chaitra 13 (March 26) on a writ petition challenging the qualifications of Sharad Ojha, who was recently appointed as Chairman of the Nepal Insurance Authority.
In an order issued by Justice Nahkul Subedi during a hearing on Chaitra 20 (April 2), the court stated that an interim order would not be issued without hearing both parties. The bench emphasized that given the gravity of the matter, it is essential to discuss it in presence of all sides before deciding whether to grant a temporary order.
Controversy emerged following the hearing on Chaitra 20 (April 2) when lawyers representing Chairman Ojha allegedly argued in the court without proper authorization. The two lawyers, supporting Ojha, claimed that an application was being submitted by the Insurance Authority, yet failed to present a power of attorney or a formal warrant. This prompted the concerned parties to approach the Deputy Registrar and raise objections over the unauthorized representation.
The court has given 15 days to the respondents—including the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Finance, the Insurance Authority Chairman Selection Committee, the Insurance Authority, and Sharad Ojha—to submit written responses regarding the appointment. The deadline for submission is Baisakh 3, 2082.
Meanwhile, a separate writ petition filed by the Consumer Forum, also questioning Ojha’s eligibility, was dismissed by the Supreme Court.
Ojha was appointed Chairman of the Nepal Insurance Authority following a decision made by the Council of Ministers on Falgun 12 (Feburary 23). The appointment was based on recommendations from a task force which included National Planning Commission members, Finance Secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyay, and expert Jyoti Chandra Ojha. The task force shortlisted three candidates: former Secretary Ram Sharan Pudasaini, Dr. Damodar Basaula, and Sharad Ojha.
