Top leaders of the three major political parties have agreed to recommend a name for chief justice through a meeting of the Constitutional Council.

A meeting held at CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli’s residence in Balkot on Sunday decided to that end, according to Ramesh Lekhak, Congress chief whip.

“Extensive discussions were held on appointing the chief justice. Leaders have agreed to take ahead the appointment process through a meeting of the Constitutional Council,” said Lekhak, who was also present at the meeting.

Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, UML Chairman KP Oli and Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire among others attended the meeting.

The chief justice position is lying vacant since the retirement of Cholendra Shumsher Rana on December 13 last year.

A chief justice is recommended by the Constitutional Council and endorsed by the parliamentary hearing committee before appointment by the President. The House of Representatives has yet to form all the panels including the hearing committee.

The leaders also discussed the issue of taking ahead the transitional justice bill.