Nepal Bar Association is the Guardian of Legal Profession and Judicial Independence because it plays a WATCHDOG Role in upholding the RULE OF LAW, Professional Integrity, and Judicial Accountability. The NBA exists not just to organize lawyers, but to the safeguard the judicial system itself – making it a keystone institution in a constitutional democracy.
The main Reason behind the Establishment of the Nepal Bar Association (NBA) in 1956 (2013 BS) was to create a unified, professional body to regulate and uplift the legal profession in Nepal at a time when legal education was still in its infancy. Back then most lawyers were licensed based on Practical experience, not formal legal education.
The NBA was formed to:
- Promote legal education and training,
- Enforce Ethical Standards among lawyers,
- Advocate for the rule of law and judicial independence, and Represent the collective voice of legal professionals.
In essence, the NBA emerged as a guardian of legal professionalism and justice, laying the foundation for a modern, accountable legal system in Nepal. Hence, The Nepal Bar Association is the Federal Organization of Practicing lawyers in Nepal. It serves as the Umbrella body for all bar units across the country and is governed by a Central Executive Committee elected through direct voting by its members.
The First President of the Nepal Bar Association was Devnath Prasad Verma, Nepal’s first licensed senior advocate. He was Pioneer in private legal practice and laid the foundation for organized legal advocacy in the country. As of April 2025, the current president is Senior Advocate Prof. Dr. Bijaya Prasad Mishara, elected with a strong mandate from legal professional across Nepal. The Nepal Bar Association (NBA), established in 1956, currently has around 12,000 members, including senior advocates, advocates, and pleaders.
Structure of NBA:
Membership in the NBA is typically composed of licensed legal practitioners, and the association is structured with a Central working Committee through direct voting by its members. The NBA is led by 25 elected members, and any qualified lawyer in Nepal can voluntarily become a member.
The Nepal Bar Association (NBA) has a Central Executive Committee composed of over 25 members, representing various provinces, legal communities, and interest groups. Key members executive lineup:
- President
- General Secretary
- Treasurer
- Vice Presidents (One from each province & female):
- 14 other executive members
The Central Executive Committee of the Nepal Bar Association (NBA), which includes 25 members, is elected for a term of 2 years. This 2-year term ensures regular leadership renewal and representation across Nepal’s diverse legal landscape.
The President of the Nepal Bar Association is a senior elected advocate who leads the national body of legal professionals. This person automatically becomes the Vice-Chairperson of the Nepal Bar Council. All registered members of the NBA vote directly to elect the executive committee. The committee includes a President, multiple Vice-Presidents (representing provinces and specific groups), a Secretary General, Treasurer, and 14 other members representing various legal communities and regions. Every court in Nepal (District court, High court, Supreme Court) has its own local bar unit.
Functions of NBA:
The Nepal Bar Association (NBA) plays a vital role in the legal landscape of Nepal. Its functions includes:
- Promotes the interest of lawyers
- Provides legal aid services
- Advocates for law reform
- Represents lawyers in dealings with the government
- Trains legal Practitioners.
NBR has no statutory powers, influences legislation and policy through advocacy it means that Nepal bar association doesn’t have legal authority granted by law to make or enforce rules like a government body does. It can’t pass laws or force anyone to follow its decisions. But through advocacy – which includes speaking out, giving expert opinions, organizing events, and influencing public opinion – it can shape laws and policies.
It acts like a powerful voice in the room, not the rule – maker, but the one who helps guide those who make the rules. i.e. Think of it as a Respected coach in a game : it can’t change the rules, but it’s advice and reputation influence how the game is played .
Example of NBA Work: Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana
One of the most high – profile and controversial case involving the Nepal bar association (NBA) submitted a 35 – point letter to the impeachment Recommendation Committee, detailing alleged misconduct by CJ Rana . The NBA accused him for manipulating judicial appointments and seeking bribes for judge transfers and promotion.
Nepal Bar Association operates under several key legal frameworks:
Nepal Bar Council Act, 2050 (1993): Establishes the Nepal Bar Council and outlines its structure, powers, and duties.
Legal Aid Act, 2054 (1997): Recognizes NBA’s role in providing legal aid; NBA’s President and Secretary are ex-officio members of the Central Legal Aid Committee.
Professional Conduct Rules (2079): Sets ethical standards for legal practitioners.
Current Executive Committee of NBA:
As of April 2025, the Nepal Bar Association (NBA) is led by senior Advocate Dr. Bijaya Prasad Mishara, who was elected president after securing votes. President Mishara has pledged to clean up the judiciary and promote transparency, signaling a stronger stance on accountability and reform.
President: Senior Advocate Prof. Dr. Bijay Prasad Mishra
General Secretary: Senior Advocate Kedar Prasad Koirala
Treasurer: Senior Advocate Jagat Bahadur Karki
Vice Presidents (by region and representation):
Koshi province: Advocate Padam Prasad Limbu
Madhesh Province: Advocate Ajay Shankar Jha
Bagmati Province: Advocate Tej Bahadur Rawal
Gandaki Province: Advocate Bhupendra Khanal
Lumbini Province: Advocate Krishna Prasad Pokharel
Karnali Province: Advocate Bibash Kumar Basnet
Sudurpaschim Province: Advocate Siddharaj Ojha
Female Category: Advocate Saraswati Shrestha
Other Executive Committee Members
Senior Advocate Rajkumar Shrestha
Advocate Mangal Sundar Shilpakar
Advocate Kiran Neupane
Advocate Sharada Gurung
Advocate Daman Bahadur Chand
Advocate Baburam Aryal
Advocate Suryakumar Yadav
Advocate Dr. Mukunda Adhikari
Advocate Ranjita Karki
Advocate Madhav Mainali
Advocate Rinku Kumari Yadav
Advocate Kiran Poudel
Advocate Indira Acharya
Advocate Chiranjivi Tilkyani
