KATHMANDU: Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut has made it clear that the Chief Justice cannot dictate what type of verdict justices should issue.

Emphasizing judicial independence, he said verdicts must emerge from collective deliberation among judges, not from any top-down directive.

Speaking at the launch of the book “Suneko Shasan: Bhogeko Prashasan” in Kathmandu on Saturday, CJ Raut also stressed the need to find direction even amidst adversity, discomfort, and frequent obstacles seen in the country’s administrative and governance structures.

He remarked that challenges are present in almost every effort to move the nation forward, but urged people—especially the intellectual class—to stay alert to intent and opportunity.

“Opportunities are constantly circling us,” he said, “but without sharp awareness, we fail to recognize them.”

Missing such opportunities, he warned, would bring severe consequences for both the nation and its people.

According to him, every individual must closely examine their surroundings and seize the moment. If delayed any longer, he added, Nepal will pay a heavy price.

Highlighting the essence of good governance, CJ Raut said it is built upon both governance and administration.

“When questions are raised about the Chief Justice,” he noted, “I take responsibility. I will not evade it in any way.”

He reiterated that judicial decisions must stem from internal discussions among justices, not from unilateral direction.

“The judiciary has its own character,” he said. “No one—including the Chief Justice—can impose a verdict on fellow justices.”

CJ Raut also criticized inaction and apathy, saying that despite the presence of opportunities, the country often fails to capitalize on them due to incapacity or indifference. He warned that continued neglect would exact a cost.

Concluding his remarks, he drew a poetic comparison: “A pearl shines from the outside, but a book glows from within.”