Sushila Karki is a Nepalese jurist, author, and politician who made history in 2025 by becoming the first woman to lead the Government of Nepal as Interim Prime Minister. She is well known for her strong stance against corruption, her role in the judiciary, and her inspiring journey from academia to politics. Before entering politics, she also became the first woman Chief Justice of Nepal (2016–2017).
Early Life and Education of Sushila Karki
Born on 7 June 1952 in Shankarpur, Nepal, Sushila Karki grew up in a Chhetri family as the eldest of seven siblings.
- She studied at Mahendra Morang College (Tribhuvan University), earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1972.
- Later, she completed her Master’s degree in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University in 1975.
- She returned to Tribhuvan University to pursue an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) in 1978.
Legal and Academic Career
Karki began her career in education, teaching at Mahendra Multiple Campus, Dharan in the 1980s.
- During the 1990 People’s Movement against the Panchayat system, she was jailed for her activism. Her experience later inspired her to write the novel Kara.
- By 2008, she became a senior advocate, and in 2009, she was appointed as an ad hoc justice at the Supreme Court of Nepal, with permanent appointment in 2010.
Chief Justice of Nepal
In 2016, after the retirement of Kalyan Shrestha, Sushila Karki was appointed as Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice.
- She became known for her anti-corruption rulings and strong judicial independence.
- One of her most famous decisions was overturning the appointment of Jaya Bahadur Chand as police chief.
- In 2017, she faced an impeachment motion brought by the ruling coalition, which many viewed as politically motivated. The motion collapsed after public protests, and she retired upon reaching the age of 65.
Author and Write
Sushila Karki is also an accomplished writer:
- Nyaya (2018): Her autobiography, which discusses her life, justice, and women’s struggles.
- Kara (2019): A novel based on her imprisonment during the 1990 People’s Movement.
Interim Prime Minister of Nepal (2025)
In September 2025, Nepal was rocked by the Gen Z protests after the government banned social media platforms, leading to violent clashes with at least 51 deaths and over 1,300 injuries.
- Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli resigned, and parliament was dissolved.
- Protest leaders, civil society, and political groups chose Sushila Karki as a neutral and respected figure to guide the country.
- On 12 September 2025, she was sworn in as the Interim Prime Minister of Nepal by President Ram Chandra Poudel.
- Her role is to restore peace, ensure justice for victims of the protests, and conduct free and fair elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Personal Life of Sushila Karki
Sushila Karki is married to Durga Prasad Subedi, a Nepali Congress youth leader who was involved in the 1973 Royal Nepal Airlines hijacking. The two met while studying at Banaras Hindu University.
Which Lake is known as the Lake of Tears...
National Conservation Programmes in Indi...
United Nations System: Key Bodies, Funds...
