Sushila Karki Sworn In As Nepal's New Prime Minister— Here's All You Need To Know About Her

Nepal’s former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki on Friday (12 September) took oath as the country’s interim Prime Minister.

The oath of office was administered by President Ramchandra Paudel at a formal ceremony held at Sheetal Niwas, the presidential residence in Kathmandu, DD News reported.

With this, Karki made history as the first woman to hold the Himalayan nation’s top executive post.

She will now lead the transitional government in the country after the Gen Z protesters toppled PM K P Sharma Oli led government.

Karki was chosen by Nepal’s Gen Z protesters, receiving the highest votes on Discord.

Through a youth-led public vote on Discord, she emerged as the most acceptable candidate—earning trust from both the protest movement and traditional political groups seeking stability, according to a report by The Kathmandu Post.

Her priorities include restoring political order, conducting fresh elections, and guiding Nepal’s development.

Both youth activists and established parties back her leadership, citing her independence and credibility as a former judge.

Born on 7 June 1952, in Shankarpur, Biratnagar, Karki’s rise rests on decades of legal service and integrity.

She studied in Biratnagar, later completing a master’s degree at Banaras Hindu University, India, and a law degree from Tribhuvan University in 1978.

Starting her legal practice in 1979, Karki went on to lead both the Koshi Zonal Bar Association and the Biratnagar Appellate Bar.

In 2009, she was elevated to the Supreme Court and, in 2016, became its first woman Chief Justice, and was noted for tough rulings in high-profile corruption cases.

Although appointed under the Nepali Congress quota, colleagues reportedly emphasise that she never allowed politics to influence her work.

Her Supreme Court tenure ended in 2017 after a disputed impeachment motion—seen as an effort by the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led coalition to stop her ruling on a police chief appointment.

According to local Nepali media reports, ormer Supreme Court justice Ananda Mohan Bhattarai credited both her and her husband for their contributions to Nepal’s democracy.

“They are true Gandhians, not just in ideology but also in lifestyle. She has agreed to shoulder such a huge challenge, demonstrating her courage. We all need to support her,” Bhattarai was quoted as saying by The Kathmandu Post.

“I am fully hopeful that she will lead through the transition period, embracing democratic principles at the highest level," Bhattarai added.

Throughout her career, Karki has spoken strongly against corruption.

From the bench, she delivered key rulings targeting political misconduct. Despite her entry via the Congress quota, associates affirm she never wavered from her principles.

Her husband, Durga Subedi, a Nepali Congress leader, was once linked to a 1973 plane hijacking carried out to raise funds for the anti-Panchayat struggle.

Critics warn that her style may clash with Gen Z’s vision of governance, but Bhattarai maintains this will not be a major hurdle.

“Gen Z found a true guardian in her. They have made the best choice,” he said.

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