Meet Sushila Karki

In the world of South Asian politics, Sushila Karki has emerged as a historic figure. She is a Nepalese jurist, author, and politician who created history in September 2025 by becoming the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal in an interim capacity.

For SSC aspirants, this event is extremely important for the current affairs, polity, and international relations sections of competitive exams. Let us study the life story of Sushila Karki Nepal, her achievements, and her role in the Nepal judiciary and politics.

Early Life and Education of Sushila Karki

• Born on 7 June 1952 in Shankarpur, Nepal, Sushila Karki grew up in a Chhetri family as the eldest of seven siblings.

• She pursued her Bachelor of Arts from Mahendra Morang College (Tribhuvan University) in 1972.

• Later, she completed her Master’s in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1975.

• She returned to Tribhuvan University to earn her LLB (Bachelor of Laws) in 1978.

This academic journey is an important highlight in Sushila Karki's biography and shows how her foundation in law and politics shaped her later career.

Legal and Academic Career

• In the 1980s, Sushila Karki taught at Mahendra Multiple Campus, Dharan.

• During the 1990 People’s Movement against the Panchayat system, she was imprisoned for activism. This experience later inspired her novel, Nepal.

• By 2008, she became a senior advocate, and in 2009, she was appointed as an ad hoc justice at the Supreme Court of Nepal, receiving a permanent appointment in 2010.

Her anti-corruption role in the judiciary made her one of the most respected figures in the Nepalese judiciary.

First Woman Chief Justice of Nepal

In 2016, Sushila Karki became the first woman Chief Justice of Nepal. She gained popularity for:

• Strong stance on judicial independence.

• Landmark ruling overturning the appointment of Jaya Bahadur Chand as police chief.

• Facing an impeachment motion in 2017, which collapsed after public support and protests.

This makes her a key figure among Nepalese female leaders who shaped the justice system.

Author and Writer

Apart from her legal and political career, Sushila Karki's books have inspired many:

• Nyaya autobiography Nepal (2018): Discusses her personal journey, struggles for justice, and women’s issues.

• Kara (2019): A novel based on her imprisonment during the 1990 movement.

These works add depth to who Sushila Karki is in Nepal beyond just being a politician.

Interim Prime Minister of Nepal (2025)

In September 2025, Nepal faced the Gen Z protests after the government banned social media platforms. The clashes led to 51 deaths and over 1,300 injuries.

• Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli resigned, and parliament was dissolved.

• Protest leaders and civil society groups selected Sushila Karki as a neutral figure to guide the nation.

• On 12 September 2025, she was sworn in as the Interim Prime Minister of Nepal by President Ram Chandra Poudel.

Her key responsibilities:

• Restore peace and stability.

• Ensure justice for protest victims.

• Conduct free and fair elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.

This marks her as the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal 2025, a landmark achievement in South Asian politics.

Personal Life

• Sushila Karki is married to Durga Prasad Subedi, a youth leader of the Nepali Congress.

• Subedi was famously involved in the 1973 Royal Nepal Airlines hijacking.

• The couple met while studying at Banaras Hindu University.

Why Sushila Karki is Important for SSC Exams

• First woman Chief Justice of Nepal (2016).

• First woman Interim Prime Minister of Nepal (2025).

• Known for her anti-corruption judgments.

• Author of Nyaya and Kara, important for literature-related GK.

• Played a crucial role in the Gen Z protests in Nepal.

Quick Facts for Revision

• Name: Sushila Karki

• Born: 7 June 1952, Shankarpur, Nepal

• Positions Held: Chief Justice (2016–2017), Interim Prime Minister (2025)

• Books: Nyaya (autobiography), Kara (novel)

• Significance: First woman Chief Justice and first woman Prime Minister of Nepal

FAQs on Sushila Karki

Q1. Who is Sushila Karki in Nepal?

A. She is a jurist, author, and politician who became the first woman Chief Justice (2016–17) and first woman Interim Prime Minister of Nepal (2025).

Q2. What is Sushila Karki's contribution to women's empowerment?

A. She broke barriers in the Nepalese judiciary, promoted justice, and became the first woman leader of Nepal’s government, inspiring women leaders in Nepal.

Q3. What are the Sushila Karki books?

A. She authored Nyaya (2018) and Kara (2019).

Final Thoughts

Sushila Karki is a trailblazing Nepalese jurist, author, and politician who made history by becoming the first woman Interim Prime Minister of Nepal in 2025. Born on 7 June 1952 in Shankarpur, she grew up in a Chhetri family and pursued higher education in political science and law, earning degrees from Tribhuvan University and Banaras Hindu University.

Before entering politics, she became Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice (2016–2017), known for her strong stance against corruption and her commitment to judicial independence.

She also made her mark as an author, with her autobiography Nyaya and the novel Kara, inspired by her imprisonment during the 1990 People’s Movement. In 2025, during the Gen Z protests, she was chosen as a respected and neutral figure to lead the country as Interim Prime Minister, tasked with restoring peace and conducting fair elections.

Married to Durga Prasad Subedi, a political activist, Sushila Karki continues to inspire as a symbol of perseverance, women's empowerment, and dedicated public service.