Kathmandu, April 10 -- Appointment of 18 judges for High Courts and five justices for the Supreme Court by the Judicial Council has met with severe criticism, with legal experts finding fault with the structure of the council itself.

They said the council has such a structure where politicians can easily influence decision-making and that if it is not revamped, it could pose a serious threat to the independence of judiciary.

"We cannot expect independent candidates presiding over court proceedings when the Judicial Council is so politically dominated," said Chandra Kant Gyawali, a senior advocate.

Immediately after the Judicial Council on April 2 appointed judges at courts, there were talks about how they were picked, with many saying ...