Kathmandu, May 18 -- Officiating Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla on Monday issued a written order directing the Supreme Court administration to register a writ petition challenging the Constitutional Council's recommendation for the next chief justice, intensifying a dispute that has exposed divisions within the judiciary.

Malla had instructed the apex court administration to complete registration of the petition by 1 pm. However, after the deadline expired, the chief registrar and registrars were reportedly out of contact, raising further questions over compliance with the order.

The petition challenges the Constitutional Council's May 8 recommendation of Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma for chief justice, alleging that the council bypass...