The Supreme Court has also established a Judicial Good Governance Center to hear complaints from service seekers.
The center was established to enhance good governance, accountability, and transparency within the judiciary.
According to the chief justice’s secretariat, the court prepared procedures for the center, which were subsequently approved by the full court.
Complaints about the judiciary are currently being directed to various bodies. Some complaints even reach the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The Supreme Court established the center to address such complaints through an integrated system.
A number of employees have already begun working at the center.
Previously, complaints from service seekers were handled by the secretariat of the chief justice. The center has now been established to make the process more effective, integrated, and efficient, according to the secretariat.
The Supreme Court has set up a toll-free number, 1660-01-333-55, through which service seekers can register their complaints. Complaints can also be submitted by email at gunasotocj@supremecourt.gov.np.
The Supreme Court said that complaints can be also filed through WhatsApp and Viber at 9768570055.
Although the center was established recently, the Supreme Court had already begun operating these contact channels earlier.
Complaints received by the center are classified and moved forward for resolution by a section officer working there.
The officer also determines whether a complaint falls within the jurisdiction of the judiciary.
Some people also contact the center seeking general information and facilitation. Center staff provide facilitation and guidance in such cases.
The chief justice’s secretariat said that complaints will be taken seriously when it appears that the same person has repeatedly raised complaints about the same issue.
The center has frequently received calls about delays in verdicts, delays in hearing dates, serving of notices, case files not being transferred from one court to another on time, and non-compliance with court orders, among other issues.
The chief justice’s secretariat said that the center will also study possible policy-level reforms to address such complaints.
Complaints related to judges have also been received by the center.
As some matters may be sensitive, the center is required to maintain confidentiality when requested by the complainant.
The plan is to address complaints received by the Supreme Court as far as possible through the center's own staff. Complaints concerning judges will be forwarded to the Judicial Council, while efforts will be made to resolve other matters through the chief justice also.
