In Nepal's judicial sector, it is customary to respectfully address judges as 'Shriman' (My Lord). On the other hand, former Prime Minister Sushila Karki recently made a public appeal to address Sabina Kafle, the wife of Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah—who came to power after the Gen-Z movement—as 'Aama' (Mother).
These two figures carrying distinct identities—'Sapana Shriman' (Acting Chief Justice Sapana Malla Pradhan) and 'Sabina Aama' (the Prime Minister's wife)—were seen together on the same stage at a golf tournament's prize distribution ceremony some time ago. Interestingly, neither of them has any direct connection or affinity with the sport of golf. This unusual presence raised a serious question in political and judicial circles: who brought these two 'powerful' women, unrelated to the sport, together on the same stage, and for what purpose?
A Game for the Rich and a Hub for 'Networking'
Golf is generally considered a sport played by the rich and elite class. Because its club memberships are quite expensive, ordinary people do not have access to it. Worldwide, golf courses are regarded as inner 'hubs' for high-level 'networking' and making major business and political decisions.
It was clearly evident that someone had arranged a special 'set-up' to invite Sapana Malla and Sabina Kafle, who have no attachment to the sport, to the event. The main objective seemed to be introducing them to each other and orchestrating behind-the-scenes 'networking'.
Timing and Context: The Race for Chief Justice
The timing and context of this meeting are highly significant. This meeting took place before the Judicial Council recommended Dr. Manoj Sharma for Chief Justice, and at a time when Sapana Malla was already serving as the Acting Chief Justice.
At that time, there was strong speculation in political and judicial circles that Sapana Malla would be the next Chief Justice. The meeting arranged at the golf course between Malla, who was in the race for the judiciary's highest position, and the wife of the country's executive head (Prime Minister) could not be considered a mere coincidence. Was this event planned to secure the Chief Justice position through the Prime Minister by networking Sapana Malla and Sabina Kafle? There were ample grounds to strengthen this suspicion.
The 'Setting' Foiled by Balen
However, this expensive 'networking' and setting at the golf course ultimately did not seem to work. Bypassing Sapana Malla, who was already the Acting Chief Justice and at the peak of discussions, the Judicial Council eventually recommended Dr. Manoj Sharma as the Chief Justice. The meeting, allegedly orchestrated to build momentum in Malla's favor, was rendered ineffective.
According to some analysts observing these developments, Prime Minister Balen Shah understood the motive behind this 'networking' and potential setting at the golf course in time and actively foiled it. Balen did not let this 'expansion of relations', which middlemen tried to facilitate between two major organs of the state (the executive and the judiciary) through a family member (the PM's wife), succeed.
This incident has laid bare the reality of how middlemen in Nepal's upper echelons use places like golf courses for 'networking' and attempt to influence important state appointments through familial access. However, this time, that acquaintance between 'Shriman' and 'Aama' failed to cross the walls of Baluwatar (the PM's residence) and translate into a decision.
