From Banaras Hindu University to Kathmandu’s top office: Nepal’s interim PM Sushila Karki’s India connection

Sushila Karki, a trailblazer in Nepal’s judiciary, has stepped in as the country’s interim prime minister, marking another first in a career defined by historic milestones. Widely respected for her independence and integrity, Karki became Nepal’s first female chief justice in 2016 and is now the first woman to lead the government, even in a caretaker capacity.

Early life and education
Born in 1952 in Biratnagar, Karki pursued her undergraduate studies in political science before moving to India for higher education. She earned a master’s degree in political science from Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, a connection she has often described as formative. Friends and colleagues note that her time in India deepened her understanding of democratic institutions and strengthened her cross-border ties.

Legal career and judicial milestones
Karki began her legal practice in the late 1970s, rising steadily through Nepal’s courts. Known for her meticulous legal reasoning, she became an associate justice of the Supreme Court in 2009 and chief justice seven years later. Her tenure was marked by several landmark rulings, including decisions reinforcing press freedom and transparency in government procurement. She earned a reputation for confronting political interference and upholding judicial independence.

Path to interim leadership
Following weeks of anti-corruption protests and the resignation of the previous coalition government, Nepal’s major parties agreed to appoint Karki as interim prime minister in September 2025. Her nonpartisan background and public trust made her an acceptable figure to guide the country toward new elections and address protesters’ demands for governance reforms.

Connection with India
Karki’s Indian academic experience and her longstanding professional relationships with Indian legal scholars provide a unique bridge between Kathmandu and New Delhi. Observers believe these ties may help foster dialogue on bilateral issues ranging from trade to border management during her interim administration.

Looking ahead
Though her mandate is temporary, Karki faces immediate challenges: calming political unrest, overseeing electoral preparations, and maintaining Nepal’s delicate balance with its neighbors, India and China. For many Nepalis, her leadership is a symbolic step toward greater gender equality and a reaffirmation of democratic values.