In September 2025, Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, emerged as the leading candidate to become the country’s interim Prime Minister following a tumultuous wave of Gen Z-led protests. Known for her unwavering stance against corruption and her landmark judicial rulings, Karki’s potential ascension to Nepal’s top executive role marks a historic moment for the Himalayan nation. At 73, her journey from a small-town lawyer to a national figurehead reflects her resilience, integrity, and commitment to justice. This article explores Karki’s life, career, and her pivotal role in navigating Nepal through its most significant political crisis in decades.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, Nepal, Sushila Karki grew up as the eldest of seven children in a modest family. Her early years were shaped by a thirst for knowledge and a passion for public service. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Mahendra Morang Campus in Biratnagar in 1972, followed by a master’s degree in political science from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, India, in 1975. Karki has often spoken fondly of her time at BHU, where she learned Indian classical dance and was mentored by political figures like Nepali Congress leader Pradip Giri. She later pursued a law degree from Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, graduating in 1978. These academic achievements laid the foundation for her distinguished legal career.
A Trailblazing Legal Career
Karki began practicing law in Biratnagar in 1979, a time when few women entered the legal profession in Nepal. Her dedication and expertise led her to become an assistant teacher at Mahendra Multiple Campus in Dharan in 1985, balancing education and advocacy. By 2007, she had risen to the rank of senior advocate, earning respect for her sharp legal mind. Her judicial career began in earnest when she was appointed an ad-hoc justice of the Nepal Supreme Court in January 2009. She became a permanent justice in November 2010 and served as acting Chief Justice from April to July 2016.
On July 11, 2016, Karki made history as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, a role she held until June 7, 2017. Her tenure was marked by bold, reformist rulings that challenged systemic corruption and advanced social justice. Notably, she ordered the conviction of Jaya Prakash Gupta, a sitting minister, for corruption, a landmark decision that made him the first Nepalese minister jailed for graft. Karki also presided over cases involving electoral disputes, peacekeeping mission corruption, and the controversial Nijgadh Fast Track project. Her progressive ruling allowing Nepali women to pass citizenship to their children—a right previously reserved for men—cemented her legacy as a champion of gender equality.
However, her fearless judgments provoked backlash. In 2017, the ruling coalition in Parliament filed an impeachment motion against her, alleging judicial overreach. The motion was withdrawn after public outcry, underscoring Karki’s widespread support and her reputation for independence. Her husband, Durga Prasad Subedi, a former youth wing leader in the Nepali Congress, remained politically active, but Karki maintained her apolitical stance, earning her the trust of diverse groups.
The 2025 Political Crisis and Karki’s Emergence
In September 2025, Nepal faced unprecedented unrest as Gen Z protesters, angered by a government ban on 26 social media platforms, took to the streets. The ban, imposed on September 4, cited tax compliance and cybersecurity concerns but was perceived as an attempt to suppress dissent. The protests, initially sparked by the ban, quickly escalated into a broader movement against corruption, nepotism, and economic stagnation. By September 8, demonstrations in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other cities turned violent, with protesters torching the parliament, Supreme Court, and residences of political leaders. The unrest claimed at least 30 lives and injured over 1,000, prompting the Nepal Army to impose a nationwide curfew.
On September 9, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, facing mounting pressure, resigned, followed by reports of President Ram Chandra Poudel’s exit, though the latter was later clarified. The power vacuum led Gen Z protesters, organized through a virtual meeting of over 5,000 participants, to propose Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister. Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, initially a contender, endorsed Karki, urging the dissolution of parliament and the formation of an interim government. Karki’s lack of political affiliation and her reputation for integrity made her a unifying choice for a movement distrustful of Nepal’s entrenched political class.
In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18 on September 10, Karki confirmed her acceptance of the role, stating, “The Gen-Z group trusted me to lead the government for a short period. I am ready for the responsibility.” She outlined her priorities: supporting families of protest victims, restoring law and order, and conducting free and fair elections to hand over power to a new government. Her commitment to a transparent transition resonated with protesters seeking a break from Nepal’s cycle of political instability.
Karki’s Vision and Challenges Ahead
Karki’s potential leadership comes at a critical juncture. Nepal’s economy, heavily reliant on remittances, faces a 20.8% youth unemployment rate, and corruption scandals have eroded public trust. The protests, while youth-led, exposed deep-seated grievances about inequality and governance, with hashtags like #NepoKids highlighting the lavish lifestyles of political elites. Karki’s anti-corruption credentials and judicial experience position her as a credible figure to address these issues, but her lack of executive experience poses challenges.
If approved by the Nepal Army and President Poudel, Karki would become Nepal’s first female Prime Minister, a historic milestone in a country where the presidency, a ceremonial role, was held by Bidya Devi Bhandari from 2015 to 2023. Karki’s immediate tasks include stabilizing Kathmandu, where curfews and army patrols persist, and rebuilding public trust in institutions. The destruction of national landmarks like Singha Durbar complicates governance, and the movement’s demand for constitutional reforms adds pressure to her interim tenure.
Karki’s fondness for India, where she studied, has also shaped her diplomatic outlook. She praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “I have a very good impression of Modi ji,” and emphasized Nepal’s strong ties with India. Her time at BHU, where she learned dance and formed lifelong connections, underscores her cultural affinity with India, which could influence bilateral relations during her leadership.
Legacy and Impact
Sushila Karki’s rise to prominence reflects her lifelong commitment to justice and reform. Her judicial tenure broke barriers for women in Nepal’s male-dominated legal system, and her potential premiership could do the same for its politics. The Gen Z protests, inspired by regional movements in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, highlight a generational shift in Nepal, with young people demanding accountability. Karki’s leadership, if realized, could bridge the gap between this youthful energy and the need for stable governance.
However, the path forward is fraught with challenges. The protests’ leaderless nature, while empowering, complicates negotiations, and the army’s role in maintaining order raises questions about democratic processes. International calls for accountability, led by the UN and Human Rights Watch, underscore the need for Karki to address the protest-related deaths transparently. Her ability to conduct elections swiftly and fairly will determine whether Nepal emerges stronger or slips further into instability.
Conclusion
Sushila Karki stands at the cusp of history, poised to lead Nepal through a transformative crisis. Her journey from a Biratnagar lawyer to a potential Prime Minister embodies resilience and integrity. As Nepal grapples with the aftermath of the 2025 protests, Karki’s leadership offers hope for a corruption-free, inclusive future, but only time will tell if she can fulfill the aspirations of a generation demanding change.
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