Newly appointed Chief Justice Hari Krishna Karki on Friday took an oath of office and secrecy from President Ramchandra Paudel.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal among other high-ranking government officials were present at the oath ceremony at Sheetal Niwas, the President’s Office.

Earlier today, President Paudel appointed Karki to the top judicial post after the Parliamentary Hearing Committee endorsed his name.

The committee had held Karki’s hearing in two phases: first allowing him to present what qualities he possesses to become the chief justice, which was followed by a question-answer session with the lawmakers.

As many as 29 complaints had been lodged by 38 people, including a sitting judge of a district court, against Karki. The complainants claimed that as Karki has failed to maintain the dignity of the position as the acting chief justice, he shouldn’t be appointed the chief of the judiciary.

Karki will serve a short term at the office as he has to go on a compulsory retirement on August 5.