Legal Firsts in Nepal: Historical Milestones

2026-06-12

Exam Snapshot

Nepal's legal history features key milestones, including the transition from the Pradhan Nyayalaya to the Supreme Court, and the advancement of gender representation at the highest levels of the judiciary.

Core Concept

• Hari Prasad Pradhan: The first Chief Justice of the Pradhan Nyayalaya (established in 2009 BS/1952 AD), which served as the precursor to the Supreme Court.
• Shaila Upadhyaya: The first woman to be appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal in 1982 AD (2039 BS).
• Sushila Karki: The first woman to serve as the Chief Justice of Nepal, appointed in 2016 AD (2073 BS).
• Anirudra Prasad Singh: The first Attorney General of Nepal, appointed under the 1959 Constitution.
• Nepal Law Commission: Established in 2005 BS (1949 AD) as the first statutory body to review and codify laws.

Nepal Law Anchors

• Pradhan Nyayalaya Act, 2009: The first law defining the structure of the nascent Supreme Court.
• Supreme Court Act, 2013: Formalized the establishment of the Supreme Court of Nepal.
• Constitution of Nepal 2072: Articles 129 and 157 regarding the appointment of the Chief Justice and the Attorney General.

Confusable Terms

• Pradhan Nyayalaya vs. Supreme Court: Pradhan Nyayalaya (2009 BS) was the initial apex court, later reorganized into the Supreme Court by the 2013 Act.
• Justice vs. Chief Justice: Know the distinction between the first female Justice (Shaila Upadhyaya) and the first female Chief Justice (Sushila Karki).

MCQ Traps

• Date Confusion: MCQs often mix up the establishment dates of the Supreme Court (2013 BS) with the Pradhan Nyayalaya (2009 BS).
• Role Confusion: Candidates frequently mistake the first Attorney General with the first Chief Justice. Always distinguish between the judicial head (CJ) and the legal advisor to the government (AG).

Example

Scenario: A question asks for the first female judicial appointment to the Supreme Court. Answer: It is Shaila Upadhyaya, not Sushila Karki. Sushila Karki was the first female Chief Justice, a different milestone achieved later.

Memory Hook

Use the acronym "H.S.S.": Hari (1st CJ), Shaila (1st female Justice), Sushila (1st female CJ).

Quick Revision

• First Chief Justice: Hari Prasad Pradhan.
• First Female SC Justice: Shaila Upadhyaya (2039 BS).
• First Female Chief Justice: Sushila Karki (2073 BS).
• First Attorney General: Anirudra Prasad Singh.
• First Law Commission: Established 2005 BS.