King Gyanendra administered the oath of office and secrecy to Chief Justice Kedarnath Upadhaya who assumed office Friday. Crown Prince Paras was present on the occasion.

He succeeded Keshab Prasad Upadhaya who retired after reaching superannuation age. Chairman of the Raj Sabha Dr. Keshar Jung Rayamajhi administered the oath of ex-officio membership of the Sabha to Upadhaya in the presence of the King.

The King appointed Upadhaya Chief Justice earlier Friday. “I will try to uphold the confidence of the people in the judiciary,” the new Chief Justice told reporters shortly after assuming office. The newly appointed Chief Justice stressed on the need to decrease the number of pending cases in the Supreme Court.

Addressing a farewell programme organized by the Supreme Court Staff,  the outgoing Chief Justice (CJ) said controversies related to the appointment of CJ in Nepal could be kept at bay if the Indian tradition of appointing the senior most justice to the post of CJ is followed.

The Constitutional Council recommended the name of Supreme Court Justice Kedarnath Upadhaya as new Chief Justice on November 19. Following his recommendation, another SC Justice Krishna Jung Rayamajhi tendered his resignation staking claims over the highest post in the Judiciary on  grounds of seniority.

The King has accepted the resignation tendered by Rajbiraj District Appellate Court Justice Krishna Neupane, a Royal Palace announcement said Friday.