Sushila Karki has made history as the first woman to be sworn in as chief justice of Nepal's Supreme Court. Her appointment comes in the wake of violent protests that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli. Karki, known for her commitment to integrity and transparency, was sworn in during a small ceremony at the presidential residence, which was broadcast on state television.

The ceremony was attended by politicians, officials, and foreign diplomats who congratulated her on this significant achievement. Karki emerged as a leading candidate among the youth protest movement, often referred to as "Gen Z" representatives. In a statement to local media, she expressed gratitude for their support, saying, "They believe in me to lead for a short time for the purpose of doing elections."

Anil Kumar Sinha, a former justice of the Supreme Court who has worked with Karki, praised her selection, stating, "She is a credible choice to lead the interim government. Her integrity has never been in doubt, and she is not someone who can be intimidated or easily influenced. She is courageous and not swayed by pressure."

The recent unrest in Nepal has been severe, with violent riots resulting in at least 51 deaths, including protesters and police officers. The army took control of the capital, Kathmandu, and began negotiations among the protesters, the military, and the president regarding the formation of an interim government.

Karki has been a vocal advocate for youth involvement in politics. Earlier this year, she addressed the issue of corruption in Nepal, stating, "We see it everywhere but we don't speak — now we need the youth to speak up, take the lead and stand in elections. What I have seen in the last 35 years does not work; I am 100 percent in favor of youth coming forward."

Her tenure as chief justice from 2016 to 2017 was marked by significant challenges to gender stereotypes and a firm stance against corruption. Born in 1952 in Biratnagar, Karki earned degrees in political science and law before beginning her legal career in 1979. She quickly gained a reputation as a fearless advocate, often taking on cases that others avoided.

Karki's judicial career includes notable achievements, such as being one of the judges who jailed a serving government minister for corruption in 2012, a landmark decision in Nepal's fight against graft. In 2017, she faced an impeachment attempt after overturning the government's choice for chief of police, a move that the United Nations deemed politically motivated.

Nepal has undergone significant political changes since emerging from a decade-long Maoist insurgency in 2006 and abolishing its monarchy in 2008. However, the transition to a federal state has been marred by political infighting. Karki's leadership as chief justice was pivotal in securing convictions for crimes committed during the civil war, including a landmark case in which three soldiers were sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of a teenage girl.

While Karki will be the first woman to serve as chief justice, she is not the first woman to lead the country. Bidya Devi Bhandari held the largely ceremonial position of president from 2015 to 2023.