Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla has been serving as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal since 2073 B.S. (2016 A.D.). She was born on November 15, 1963 A.D.(2020 Karthik 29 B.S.), in Nawalparasi district. She obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Tribhuvan University in 1987(2044 B.S.) and went on to pursue a Master’s in Comparative Law from Delhi University in 1989(2046 B.S.). Additionally, she holds a degree in Political Science and earned a Mid-Career Master in Public Administration from Harvard University in 2014(2071 B.S.).
Justice Malla is currently one of only two female justices appointed to the Supreme Court of Nepal. Prior to her judicial appointment, she served as a member of the Constituent Assembly from 2065 to 2069 B.S. (2008–2013 A.D.). She is notably recognized for her role as an advocate in the landmark Godavari Marble Case.
Throughout her career, Justice Malla has been a steadfast advocate for women’s empowerment, gender equality, and human rights. She served as a member of the United Nations Committee against Torture (CAT) from 2014 to 2017 and is the former President of the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD).
Her contributions to the advancement of women’s rights have earned her significant recognition, including the prestigious Gruber International Women’s Rights Award (2008) from the Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation (USA), and the Prashiddha Prabal Jansewashree, Second Class award conferred by the Government of Nepal in 2078 B.S.
Justice Malla has also contributed extensively to legal and academic discourse through her writings. Her notable publications include:
- “Women Empowerment”, The Kathmandu Post, May 5, 2004
- “Violation of Human Rights of Women”, The Rising Nepal, July 13, 1990
- “Sex Equality—Approaches and Judicial Intervention”, Supreme Court 50th Anniversary Special Volume, p. 190, 2006
- “Women’s Access to Justice”, Annapurna Post, Shrawan 1, 2068 (2011)
- “Violence Against Women and Law”, Nyayadoot, Year 29, No. 106, Vol. 4, 1998, p. 45
In addition, she conducted a pivotal study titled “Women’s Participation in the Political Process of Nepal”, published by the Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) in 1999.
Currently, Justice Malla is regarded as a leading candidate for appointment as the next Chief Justice of Nepal, which would make her the second woman in the nation’s history to hold that esteemed position.
