Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2025 was presented to Nepal’s former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha for his outstanding contributions to judicial reform, inclusive democracy, and transitional justice.
Former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha Wins Hem Bahadur Malla Award
A Prestigious Honour in Kathmandu
Former Chief Justice of Nepal, Kalyan Shrestha, has been awarded the prestigious Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080 B.S., recognising his exceptional contributions to judicial leadership and institutional development The award ceremony took place in Kathmandu, jointly organised by the Nepal Public Administration Association (PAAN) and Salt Trading Corporation (STC), and was presented by Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut
Legacy of Hem Bahadur Malla
Instituted in 2000 B.S. in memory of Hem Bahadur Malla, the award honours contributions to public administration and legal reformSince 2003, this national-level accolade has celebrated leaders across the public service spectrum, reflecting Malla’s legacy in civil administration and governance
Recognising Judicial Excellence
Shrestha, the 25th Chief Justice of Nepal, held key judicial roles in District, Appellate, and Supreme Court benches before being appointed Chief Justice. His legal acumen was particularly visible during Nepal’s transitional period – including the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, elections of interim Constituent Assemblies, and environmental justice rulings
Selection Criteria and Ceremony
Chosen as the 21st recipient of this award by a panel led by Umesh Mainali, former chair of Nepal’s Public Service Commission, Shrestha’s leadership in promoting inclusive democracy, transitional justice, and environmental jurisprudence received special recognitionThe award comprises a cash prize of NPR 200,000 and a certificate of honour
Voices at the Ceremony
Chief Justice Raut emphasised that Shrestha’s work “represents the bulk of Nepal’s judicial history,” specifically noting his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, integrity, and human rights In his acceptance speech, Shrestha highlighted the state’s service delivery gaps and the need for enhanced accountability to strengthen good governance
Roll of Honour
Esteemed past recipients include Kedar Bhakta Mathema, Mahabir Pun, Kul Man Ghising, and Dr. Sanduk Ruit, among others
🌟 Why This News Is Important
Reflection of Judicial Leadership’s Impact
For aspirants preparing for civil service, defence, police, and legal roles, the award highlights how judicial leadership can shape transitional justice, human rights, and environmental governance. Shrestha’s recognition reinforces the ongoing role of law and judiciary in national development.
Insight for Exam Aspirants
Government exam syllabi often include topics on constitutional bodies, judicial activism, transitional justice, and good governance. Shrestha’s award underscores these themes, serving as a real-world case study for students preparing for PCS, UPSC, and judiciary exams.
Encouragement for Reforms
Shrestha’s acceptance speech emphasises the need for accountability and efficiency within state institutions. This aligns with subjects such as public administration, ethics, and governance—core areas in competitive exams like SSC, SSC CGL, and IBPS.
National Importance
The Hem Bahadur Malla Award is uniquely Nepalese yet illustrates a global principle: recognising excellence in public administration. It encourages students to understand how awards and honours can reinforce reformist leadership in public life.
Bridging Theory and Practice
Students gain a practical example of how judicial activism, environmental justice, and democratic inclusion function in practice—enriching their understanding of abstract concepts studied in exams across domains such as civil services, banking, and teaching.
📚 Historical Context: Hem Bahadur Malla & Judicial Evolution
Hem Bahadur Malla and Public Service Legacy
- Hem Bahadur Malla, founder-president of Salt Trading Corporation, was pivotal in streamlining national public distribution systems.
- The award in his name honours contributions to public administration, governance, and institutional reform—values that resonate in Nepal’s evolving democracy
Evolution of the Nepalese Judiciary
- Post-civil war, Nepal transitioned from monarchy to republic (2008), with the judiciary playing a central role.
- Figures like Kalyan Shrestha contributed significantly during crises: mediating peace agreements, upholding constitutional reforms, and protecting environmental and minority rights.
Significance of Awardees
- Prominent recipients like Mahabir Pun (technology), Kul Man Ghising (energy reform), and Dr. Sanduk Ruit (medical excellence) reflect the award’s stature in recognising public service across sectors
📌 Key Takeaways from Hem Bahadur Malla Award to Kalyan Shrestha
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Award Name & Period: Hem Bahadur Malla Award 2080 B.S. awarded in July 2025 in Kathmandu. |
| 2 | Recipient: Kalyan Shrestha, former 25th Chief Justice of Nepal. |
| 3 | Selection Criteria: Recognised for judicial leadership, transitional justice, inclusive democracy, environmental justice. |
| 4 | Award Details: NPR 200,000 cash prize + honour certificate; chosen by PAAN committee led by Umesh Mainali. |
| 5 | Significance: Highlights the role of judiciary in governance reforms; relevant for students studying public administration, law, and governance. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Kalyan Shrestha?
Kalyan Shrestha is the former 25th Chief Justice of Nepal, recognised for his contributions to transitional justice, environmental jurisprudence, and democratic reforms.
2. What is the Hem Bahadur Malla Award?
It is a prestigious national award in Nepal that honours individuals contributing significantly to public administration, governance, or institutional reform.
3. When was Kalyan Shrestha awarded the Hem Bahadur Malla Award?
He received the award in 2080 B.S. (2025 A.D.), in a ceremony held in Kathmandu.
4. Which institutions organise the Hem Bahadur Malla Award ceremony?
The award is jointly organised by the Nepal Public Administration Association (PAAN) and Salt Trading Corporation (STC).
5. What are some notable achievements of Kalyan Shrestha?
He played a vital role in promoting judicial independence, upholding the rule of law, and delivering landmark judgments during Nepal’s transition to a federal democratic republic.
6. What does the Hem Bahadur Malla Award include?
The award carries a cash prize of NPR 200,000 and a certificate of honour.
7. Who selected Kalyan Shrestha for the award?
A selection committee chaired by Umesh Mainali, former chair of Nepal’s Public Service Commission, chose him as the 21st recipient.
8. Why is this award relevant for competitive exam aspirants?
The award and its recipient’s contributions reflect core topics in public administration, ethics, law, governance, and environmental policy—commonly asked in exams like UPSC, PSC, and SSC.
9. What is the significance of such awards in public service?
They highlight and encourage values like transparency, justice, and service delivery improvements in national institutions.
10. Can previous awardees’ work also be asked in exams?
Yes, past recipients like Mahabir Pun, Kul Man Ghising, and Dr. Sanduk Ruit have been part of previous competitive exam questions related to innovations in health, energy, and ICT sectors.
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