Sushila Karki Biography: Husband, Age, Parents, Net Worth, Children, Books, Height, Impeachment

Biography

Sushila Karki (born June 7, 1952) is a pioneering Nepalese jurist, author, and politician who made history as the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court from July 2016 to June 2017.

Born in Biratnagar as the eldest of seven siblings in a farming family, she earned a BA from Tribhuvan University in 1972, an MA in political science from Banaras Hindu University in 1975, and an LLB in 1978 before launching her legal practice in 1979.

Known for her staunch anti-corruption stance and resistance to political interference—highlighted by her role in jailing a sitting minister in 2012 and surviving an impeachment attempt in 2017—Karki has authored books including her 2018 autobiography Nyaya.

Amid nationwide Gen Z-led protests against graft, she was sworn in as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister on September 12, 2025, becoming the first woman to lead the government.

Interim Prime Minister of Nepal
Sushila Karki
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Sushila Karki
Born:	7 June 1952 (age 73 years old)
Place of Birth:	Morang, Nepal
Nationality:	Nepalese
Education:	Mahendra Morang College, Banaras Hindu University, Tribhuvan University
Height:	163 cm
Parents:	Hari Bahadur Karki, Gita Devi Karki
Siblings:	6
Spouse:	Durga Prasad Subedi
Boyfriend • Partner:	Not Dating
Children:	Prasant Subedi
Occupation:	Jurist • Author • Politician
Net Worth:	$375,000-$750,000 (USD)

Early Life & Education

Sushila Karki was born on June 7, 1952, in Shankarpur (later incorporated into Biratnagar), Morang District, in the Eastern Region of Nepal.

She was raised in a middle-class Chhetri family, an ethnic group known for its historical prominence in Nepal’s Kshatriya caste, which traditionally adheres to Hinduism, the religion practiced by her family.

Her parents, Hari Bahadur Karki and Gita Devi Karki, were farmers who cultivated jute and other crops in their rural village, instilling in Sushila a strong work ethic and resilience.

As the eldest of seven siblings, Sushila took on significant responsibilities early in life, growing up in a modest household surrounded by the agricultural rhythms of eastern Nepal.

Her educational journey began in local schools and progressed to higher studies. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Mahendra Morang College (affiliated with Tribhuvan University) in 1972.

She then pursued a Master’s degree (MA) in political science at Banaras Hindu University in India, graduating in 1975.

She completed her education with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Tribhuvan University in 1978, setting the stage for her distinguished legal career. Her academic achievements, spanning Nepal and India, reflect her determination to rise above her rural, non-elite background.

Career

Sushila Karki began her professional career in 1979 as a lawyer in Biratnagar after completing her LLB at Tribhuvan University.

From the start, she dedicated herself to advocating for marginalized groups, especially women, Dalits, and indigenous communities, which quickly established her as a voice for social justice.

Her entry into the judiciary came in 1985 when she was appointed as an ad hoc justice at the Appellate Court in Biratnagar. Over the years, she served in several appellate courts, building a reputation for independence and integrity, and eventually rose to the Supreme Court in 2009.

On July 11, 2016, Karki made history by becoming Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, a position she held until her mandatory retirement in June 2017.

Her time on the bench was defined by bold anti-corruption rulings, including the 2012 conviction of a sitting minister, which cemented her image as a fearless defender of judicial independence.

In 2017, she faced an impeachment motion from coalition lawmakers, a move widely interpreted as political retaliation for her rulings. However, the motion was withdrawn amid strong public backlash and as her retirement approached.

Karki’s influence extended beyond the courtroom. In 2018, she published her autobiography, Nyaya (Justice), where she chronicled her journey, her struggles, and her lifelong commitment to fairness.

Her career took another historic turn on September 12, 2025, when she was sworn in as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister during a wave of nationwide anti-corruption protests led by Gen Z activists.

By assuming this role, she became the first woman to hold the office, tasked with guiding the country through a volatile political crisis until new elections could be held.

Personal Life

Born on June 7, 1952, Sushila Karki is currently 73 years old.

She married Durga Prasad Subedi, a former youth leader of the Nepali Congress party and senior advocate, in the early 1970s while studying at Banaras Hindu University in India, where they first met.

The couple has one son, Prasant Subedi, and Karki has maintained a relatively private family life, crediting her husband’s support for her professional achievements.

Standing at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall, Karki is known for her understated personal demeanour amid her high-profile career.

Net Worth

Sushila Karki, Nepal’s interim Prime Minister and former Chief Justice, has an estimated net worth of 50-100 million Nepali rupees (approximately NPR 50-100 crore, or $375,000-$750,000).

This wealth is primarily derived from her judicial salaries, book royalties from works like her 2018 autobiography Nyaya, and government pensions.

Her modest financial standing aligns with her public service career and reputation for integrity, with no public evidence of significant personal wealth accumulation.