By Narayan Prasad Mishra

In Nepal, justice is not delivered within a predictable timeframe as it is in many developed countries. In many developed countries, court cases move quickly and follow a straightforward process. However, in Nepal, delays and problems in the legal system have made the courts very slow. Many people wait for years — sometimes even decades — to get a verdict. Some people die before their case is finished. This long delay is weakening Nepal’s democracy and people’s trust in the legal system.

There are three main reasons for this problem. First, there are not enough judges and legal staff. Second, there is no strong system to ensure that courts do their work on time. Third, there are also administrative weaknesses that create delays and confusion, and many cases are postponed again and again. Sometimes, files go missing, which also delays. Often, people think that there is no good reason for the delay. As a result, thousands of cases are waiting, and people are suffering. 

People are also starting to doubt whether the courts are fair. Some believe that judges are more often chosen because of political connections, not because of skill or honesty. In important political cases, many believe that court decisions are influenced by outside pressure, not by law. When powerful people are involved, cases can remain undecided for years. This makes people feel that rich and powerful people are above the law.

Many people talk about an important case of 2021. That year, 52 people were appointed to high constitutional positions using a special law called an ordinance. Usually, these kinds of appointments need to go through Parliament, but that did not happen. Many lawyers and citizens said this was not legal, and they filed cases in the Supreme Court.

Even now, years later, the court has not made a final decision. Because of this, people are confused about whether those appointments were legal or not. The delay in judgment has led many to feel that justice in critical matters is not being served in a timely or transparent manner.

The broader concern is not about one case, but about the message it sends: that constitutional norms can be set aside without consequence. Whether or not this perception is accurate, it erodes public confidence in democratic institutions. When the judiciary appears slow and passive in the face of constitutional challenges, the balance of power tilts dangerously.

We all deserve a justice system that is timely, fair, and independent. We all feel that a strong court system should give priority to important cases, especially those related to the Constitution and national governance. We all think that Judges should be appointed in a fair and open way, based on their knowledge and honesty. The urgent and quick handling of court cases will strengthen democracy. The way Nepal handles such cases will shape the future of its democracy. 

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