Nepal is witnessing a youth-led uprising unlike anything in recent memory. The country’s Gen-Z protesters, frustrated with corruption, political deadlock, and state-imposed restrictions, are now rallying behind a surprising figure — former Chief Justice Sushila Karki — as their preferred choice for interim prime minister.
The move signals a generational shift, where young voices are demanding fresh leadership rooted in accountability and the rule of law.
The Call for Sushila Karki
Raman Kumar Karna, secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association, confirmed to Reuters that the protesters consulted him and decided to push for Sushila Karki’s name as the interim PM. According to him, the delegation is set to meet the Nepal Army chief with the proposal, marking a critical moment in the country’s ongoing political crisis.
Why Karki?
For the protesters, the answer is simple: credibility and independence.
A student who joined the protests in Kathmandu told ANI, “My immediate concern is law and order. To maintain it, the country requires someone knowledgeable about the law. For this, Sushila Karki is the right option.”
Who is Sushila Karki?
- First Woman Chief Justice: In July 2016, Karki made history as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice. She served until June 2017.
- Early Life: Born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, she was the eldest of seven siblings.
- Legal Career: She began practicing law in 1979 after completing her studies in Biratnagar. By 2007, she rose to the rank of Senior Advocate.
- Judicial Journey: Appointed as an ad-hoc Supreme Court judge in 2009, she became a permanent justice in 2010 and later led the judiciary with a reputation for integrity.
Her track record of independence, especially during her tenure as Chief Justice, has made her a respected figure in Nepal’s legal and civic circles.
Violent Protests and Rising Anger
The demand for Karki comes against the backdrop of violent street protests that have engulfed Nepal since September 8, 2025. The protests erupted after the government imposed a sweeping ban on major social media platforms, citing concerns over tax revenue and cybersecurity.
Casualties and Chaos
- At least 25 people have died in just two days, including three police officers.
- 19 young protesters were killed when security forces opened fire outside the Parliament building.
- In Kathmandu’s Koteshwor area, three police officers were beaten to death by an angry mob, while three protesters died in clashes near Kalimati Police Station.
- Over 633 people have been injured, according to Nepal’s Home Ministry.
The scale of the violence forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign. Soon after, the Nepal Army imposed a nationwide curfew to prevent further bloodshed.
Why Gen-Z is on the Streets
Nepal’s Gen-Z protesters — many still in their teens and twenties — say they are fighting for more than just free access to social media.
Their Key Demands:
- Accountability from politicians who they accuse of corruption and incompetence.
- Transparency in governance, especially in financial dealings.
- Law and order overseen by credible leadership.
- End to censorship and restrictions on digital platforms.
The protests have spread from Kathmandu to other major cities like Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, showing how widespread the discontent has become.
What Experts Are Saying
Political analysts argue that Karki’s selection by the protesters is both symbolic and strategic.
- Symbolic because she shattered glass ceilings in Nepal’s judiciary.
- Strategic because her background as a legal expert could help stabilize a volatile political situation.
However, skeptics warn that installing a former Chief Justice as an interim political leader might blur the lines between the judiciary and executive powers, creating long-term constitutional challenges.
India and International Concerns
The unrest in Nepal has already spilled across borders. The closure of Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport left hundreds of Indians stranded earlier this week.
India’s Civil Aviation Ministry announced additional flights via Air India and IndiGo to bring back stranded citizens. Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has advised travelers to avoid non-essential trips to Nepal until stability returns.
International observers are also watching closely, worried that prolonged instability in Nepal could have ripple effects across South Asia.
FAQs About the Crisis
Sushila Karki is Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, serving from 2016 to 2017. She is now being proposed by Gen-Z protesters as the interim prime minister due to her reputation for integrity and legal exper
They believe her legal background and independence make her the right candidate to restore law and order, ensure accountability, and lead a transitional government.
The immediate trigger was the government’s ban on major social media platforms, but the protests reflect deeper frustration with corruption, censorship, and poor governance.
In just two days, at least 25 people have died, including both protesters and police. Over 600 others have been injured in clashes across the country.
The protesters’ delegation will meet with the Nepal Army chief to propose Karki as interim PM. The coming days will determine whether Nepal moves toward a consensus government or deeper instability.
Final Thoughts
Nepal stands at a crossroads. With the old guard losing credibility and young voices demanding radical change, the push for Sushila Karki reflects both desperation and hope. Whether she accepts the challenge — and whether the political class and army agree — could shape Nepal’s future for years to come.
For now, one thing is clear: Nepal’s Gen-Z has found its voice, and they won’t be silenced easily.