Sabita Bhandari Baral named Nepal’s first female attorney general under PM Sushila Karki

Nepal has made history with two appointments in the same week. Newly-appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki has named senior advocate Sabita Bhandari Baral as the country’s new attorney general.

This decision is historic, as Bhandari has become the first woman ever to hold the post in Nepal.

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Sabita, who comes from a legal family, is the daughter of 92-year-old senior advocate Krishna Prasad Bhandari. Her appointment was announced soon after Ramesh Badal stepped down from the role.

Badal resigned following the exit of former prime minister KP Sharma Oli. President Ram Chandra Paudel officially accepted his resignation earlier this week.

Also Read: 72 dead in Nepal Gen Z protests: PM Sushila Karki declares victims as martyrs

The selection of Sabita Bhandari Baral is being seen as a strong move by Prime Minister Karki, who herself created history by becoming Nepal’s first female prime minister. She assumed office under the pressure of the Gen-Z-led movement, which has been demanding reforms and new leadership.

However, the appointment has faced criticism from many quarters. Many people are opposing the move because Sabita Bhandari Baral previously represented cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane as his attorney in a high-profile case, in which he was accused of raping a minor.

Critics argue that her involvement in this case raises concerns about her suitability for the top legal position in the country.

According to Nepal’s Constitution, the attorney general is appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the prime minister. The attorney general serves as the government’s chief legal advisor.

Until now, the position had only ever been occupied by men.

Along with this major announcement, PM Karki is also working quickly to set up her cabinet. She is expected to appoint five ministers by Sunday and has already started discussions with several potential candidates.