None of the constitutional, legal or other principles bars me from returning to the judiciary, since the judiciary remains independent if the actors remain independent and fair.

Khil Raj Regmi’s quote asserts his belief that there are no constitutional, legal, or other principles preventing him from returning to the judiciary, as long as the judiciary itself remains independent and fair. Regmi, a former Chief Justice of Nepal, is emphasizing the independence of the judiciary as a fundamental principle. He suggests that as long as the system of justice operates without external influence and maintains its integrity, his return to the judiciary should not be obstructed by any legal constraints or principles, provided the necessary conditions of fairness are met.

The key message in this quote is the independence of the judiciary from political or external interference. Regmi is highlighting that the role of a judge or justice is not diminished by external pressures as long as the judicial process remains free from bias and upholds its duty to justice. He is essentially reinforcing the notion that the judiciary must be a neutral body, free from political influence or corruption, in order to maintain public trust and deliver fair outcomes.

The origin of the quote lies in the political and judicial context in Nepal, where Regmi’s tenure as Chief Justice and his subsequent involvement in Nepalese politics stirred significant debate. Regmi temporarily took on the role of Prime Minister of Nepal in 2013 while maintaining his position as Chief Justice, a move that some viewed as conflicting with the principle of judicial independence. His quote reflects his defense of judicial independence and his belief that individuals who serve in such roles must be free to act impartially, without external interference.

In this context, Regmi’s words serve as a justification for his actions, asserting that his involvement in political matters did not inherently undermine the principles of judicial independence. His belief is that as long as the actors within the judiciary remain fair and impartial, they can continue their work effectively, irrespective of other roles they may hold or political situations they may face.