Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha Honoured with Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080.

Awards

In July 2025, former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha was honoured with the prestigious Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080 in Kathmandu. The award, accompanied by a ₹200,000 purse, recognized his exceptional contributions to judicial leadership, institutional development, and causes such as transitional justice and environmental protection.


      - The prestigious award is named after Hem Bahadur Malla, founder of the Salt Trading Corporation, and has been presented annually since 2003 by the Nepal Public Administration Association (NPAA).

      - In 2025, Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut presented the honour to Shrestha during a joint event by NPAA and the corporation.

     

Main Point :-   (i) Shrestha, the 25th Chief Justice of Nepal, earned acclaim for promoting legal reform, inclusive democracy, and environmental justice. His tenure included significant judicial activism during Nepal’s post-conflict constitutional transition and the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

      (ii) A selection committee led by former Public Service Commission Chair Umesh Mainali recommended Shrestha for his leadership and institutional strengthening efforts. The award includes a cash prize of NPR 200,000 (approx. ₹200,000) and a certificate of honour.

(iii) The award reflects Nepal’s dedication to recognising individuals who advance good governance, judicial independence, and public service excellence. Chief Justice Raut praised Shrestha as a towering figure in Nepal’s legal history.

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