Judiciary Reform Proposals Largely Unimplemented with Key Ordinances Repealed

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 27, 2026

Key judiciary reform proposals aimed at enhancing judicial independence and administrative autonomy have largely been stalled or repealed since the current government took office, including the annulment of ordinances related to Supreme Court appointments and secretariat creation. This setback has delayed crucial changes requiring constitutional amendments, leaving fundamental challenges in the justice system unresolved despite some ongoing modernization efforts.

Efforts to implement comprehensive judiciary reforms have largely stalled, with key proposals from the Judiciary Reform Commission remaining unfulfilled despite earlier political agreement on certain measures. The commission, established during the interim government, had recommended substantial changes intended to bolster judicial independence, enhance administrative autonomy, and reform the appointment process for Supreme Court judges.

However, since the current administration took office, two pivotal ordinances introduced by the interim government have been repealed. In April, parliament annulled the measures concerning the appointment of Supreme Court judges and the creation of an independent Supreme Court Secretariat, marking a significant setback for the reform agenda.

Several other major recommendations remain unaddressed. These include requirements for judges to disclose their wealth statements, the establishment of an independent criminal investigation agency, the formation of a permanent attorney service, and the removal of mobile courts’ authority to impose jail sentences. Proposals that demand constitutional amendments have not advanced, such as limits on the president’s power to grant pardons, the creation of permanent High Court benches in divisional cities and subdistrict courts, reforms to judicial appointments, and raising the retirement age of judges.

Legal experts and commission members have voiced concern over the slow and uneven pace of reforms, emphasizing that the rollback of crucial ordinances undermines progress. A parliamentary special committee tasked with reviewing constitutional amendments has encountered opposition boycotts, resulting in a stalled and inconclusive process.

Meanwhile, sources within the law ministry acknowledge ongoing efforts to improve judicial training and introduce modernization initiatives within the justice system. Nonetheless, they note that significant reforms remain contingent on successful constitutional amendments. Observers highlight that while some procedural and administrative changes continue to move forward, fundamental challenges related to judicial independence and institutional autonomy have yet to be resolved.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.