The PHSC had received two complaints against Shah. Testifying before the committee, Shah presented his vision for the judiciary wherein he emphasised the use of technology to make justice accessible to the service seekers. He pointed out the use of SMS system to inquire about the case status by a litigant. Shah also talked about provision of using automated system to ensure hearing date.

Responding to queries from lawmakers, he said that his focus is to improve the image of the judiciary. Shah conceded prevalence of corruption in the judiciary, but said, “That is miniscule compared to other government institution.”

Shah maintained that it was his firm conviction in ensuring inclusiveness in the institution, giving examples of nominating candidates from marginalised community in the recent appointment of appellate court judges.

On September 11, the Constitutional Council had recommended his name as the next chief justice of the apex court.

The recommendation comes as a continuity of the tradition to recommend the senior most justice to the top post of judiciary. Shah’s tenure will be less than nine months as he too, like Sharma, will retire upon reaching the age limit of 65. Shah, born on July 8, 1950, joined the judicial service in 1974 as section officer at the Supreme Court. In 1976, he was appointed as District Court judge, a position he held until 1986.

Justice Shah also served as district attorney of Kathmandu from 1979 to 1981. He was appointed as zonal court judge in 1986 and held the position until 1991. He then served as appeal court judge from 1991 and was elevated as chief judge in 2004.