Who is Sushila Karki? Nepal’s First Female Prime Minister

Sushila Karki, born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, Nepal, is a historic figure in Nepal’s political and judicial history. She recently became the first female Prime Minister of Nepal, following a period of political unrest and leadership transition. Known for her integrity, judicial acumen, and anti-corruption stance, Karki has been a symbol of justice and resilience throughout her career.

Early Life and Education

Sushila Karki grew up as the eldest of seven children in a farmer’s family in Biratnagar. She completed her Bachelor of Arts at Mahendra Morang College in 1972. Driven by a desire to understand governance and politics, she pursued a Master’s degree in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), India, in 1975. Later, she studied law at Tribhuvan University, graduating in 1978, marking the beginning of her journey in the legal field.

Karki was actively involved in political movements, especially during Nepal’s 1990 People’s Movement, which ended the autocratic Panchayat system. Her early activism demonstrated her commitment to democracy and justice.

Legal Career and Rise to Chief Justice

Karki began her career as an assistant professor at Mahendra Multiple Campus in Dharan. She also faced imprisonment during the 1990 movement, an experience she later chronicled in her autobiographical novel, Kara.

In 2008, Karki became a senior advocate at the Nepal Bar Association. By 2009, she was appointed as an Ad-Hoc Justice of the Supreme Court, later becoming the first female Chief Justice of Nepal from July 2016 to June 2017.

Her tenure as Chief Justice was marked by landmark decisions against corruption. Notably, she opposed politically influenced appointments in the police and judicial system, which led to impeachment attempts that were later withdrawn due to public support and Supreme Court intervention.

Personal Life

Sushila Karki is married to Durga Prasad Subedi, a member of the Nepali Congress and her former tutor. She is also a noted author, with books like Nyaya and Kara reflecting her experiences and legal philosophy.

Appointment as Interim Prime Minister

In September 2025, Nepal faced mass protests and political instability, resulting in the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Protest leaders and political factions sought a neutral and respected leader to guide the country during the transitional period.

Due to her reputation for fairness, integrity, and anti-corruption principles, Karki was proposed as a consensus candidate and appointed Nepal’s first female Prime Minister. Her leadership is expected to restore public trust and stabilize governance during this challenging period.

Legacy and Impact

Sushila Karki’s journey from a rural upbringing to the highest positions in judiciary and executive leadership reflects determination, integrity, and dedication to public service. Her appointment as Prime Minister represents a milestone for gender equality in Nepalese politics and offers hope for transparent and accountable governance in the country.

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Sushila Karki: From Nepal’s First Female Chief Justice to Interim Prime Minister

Sushila Karki, born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, Nepal, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Nepal’s contemporary political landscape. Known for her unwavering commitment to justice and anti-corruption, Karki has transitioned from being Nepal’s first female Chief Justice to being appointed as the interim Prime Minister amid the nation’s recent political turmoil.

Early Life and Education

As the eldest of seven children in a farmer’s family, Karki’s early life was grounded in simplicity. She completed her Bachelor of Arts at Mahendra Morang College in 1972. Pursuing further studies, she earned a Master’s degree in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in India in 1975. Subsequently, she returned to Nepal to study law at Tribhuvan University, graduating in 1978. Her academic journey was marked by a deep engagement with political activism, particularly during Nepal’s 1990 People’s Movement, which sought to end the autocratic Panchayat system.

Legal Career and Judicial Ascendancy

Karki began her legal career as an assistant professor at Mahendra Multiple Campus in Dharan. Her activism during the 1990 movement led to her imprisonment in Biratnagar Jail, an experience that inspired her autobiographical novel, Kara. In 2008, she became a senior advocate at the Nepal Bar Association. Her judicial career took a significant turn in 2009 when she was appointed as an Ad-Hoc Justice at the Supreme Court, a position she held until her retirement in 2017.

Karki’s tenure as Chief Justice from July 2016 to June 2017 was marked by her strict stance against corruption. Notably, she led the Supreme Court in overturning the government’s appointment of Jaya Bahadur Chand as the police chief, favoring Navaraj Silwal instead. This decision led to an impeachment motion against her, which was later withdrawn due to public outcry and a Supreme Court order.

Personal Life

Karki married Durga Prasad Subedi, a member of the Nepali Congress and her former tutor. Their partnership has been a source of strength throughout her career. She is also an accomplished author, with works like Nyaya and Kara reflecting her personal and professional experiences.

Political Turmoil and Appointment as Interim Prime Minister

In September 2025, following widespread protests led by Nepal’s Gen Z against corruption and unemployment, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned. The protests, which resulted in significant casualties and injuries, led to a power vacuum. In this context, Karki was proposed by protest leaders as a neutral figure capable of leading an interim government. Her reputation for integrity and her judicial background made her a consensus choice among various factions. Despite concerns regarding her age and constitutional provisions, Karki accepted the role, becoming Nepal’s first female Prime Minister.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Sushila Karki’s journey from a rural upbringing to the highest echelons of Nepal’s judiciary and now the executive branch exemplifies resilience and dedication to public service. Her appointment as interim Prime Minister is seen as a step towards restoring public trust in governance and addressing the nation’s pressing challenges. As she navigates the complexities of leading Nepal through this transitional period, Karki’s leadership will be crucial in shaping the country’s democratic future.