Chairman of the Interim Election Government Khil Raj Regmi has made up his mind not to return to judiciary after the new government takes over, sources have said.

It is learnt that Regmi is considering not taking up any public position given the protest from Nepal Bar Association (NBA). 

Even Cabinet members close to Regmi believe he will not return to judiciary. “He would have hinted by now if there was a plan to return,” said a minister. 

Regmi himself has remained tightlipped on the subject. Emerging from the CA building after the prime minister election on Monday, Regmi told reporters he would take ‘appropriate decision’.  

Regmi is said to have changed his mind after consulting wider section who advised him against returning to judiciary.  NBA had, in fact, planned a meeting to chart out strategies in case of Regmi’s return to the apex court.  

The umbrella organisation of lawyers has been maintaining that Regmi assuming the role of executive while keeping his position of the CJ would compromise the principle of separation of power. NBA had termed March 14, the day Regmi assumed executive position, as “black day” in the history of Nepali Judiciary. 

Seven petitions challenging Presidential decree that paved way for Regmi’s appointment remains sub judice at the apex court. There are also petitions before the court challenging the decisions of the Regmi-led government.

Even Judicial Council (JC) members have advised Regmi not to come back, citing that his return would affect the existing structure of the council as the acting CJ Damodar Sharma would become senior most justice and Justice Ram Kumar Shah, another member in the constitutional body, would be demoted.  

Sharma has reportedly said that he would resign if Regmi returns. Sources, however, said Regmi has been seeking appointment to the Constituent Assembly through the Cabinet appointed quota. He reportedly  approached CPN-UML Parliamentary Party leader KP Oli to that end.