DHARAMAHSLA, October 4: Newly appointed Justice Commissioner Ngawang Choedak today took the oath of office Thursday from Chief Justice Commissioner Ngawang Phelgyal Gyechen.
The swearing – in ceremony held at Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission was attended by Tibetan Prime Minister Dr Lobsang Sangay, Tibetan Parliament’s Speaker Penpa Tsering, Tibetans Parliamentarians, Tibetan Ministers and senior officials of Tibetan government.
Ngawang secured 21 votes against his 16 for his contender Kargyu Dhondup, the auditor general of the Central Tibetan Administration, in a voting held in the Tibetan parliament.
Ngawang formerly served the Tibetan administration as Secretary for Department of Religion and Culture, Secretary of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission and Director of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, among various other posts.
Ngawang Choedak was born in the family of Lho Dokhar Choetri Tengpa in 1955. He came into exile to India in 1959 through Bhutan. He joined the Tibetan administrative services in 1975 at the age of 20.
“I have worked for 38 years in Tibetan government and did my best in helping public. I am glad and honored to be appointed as a new Justice Commissioner,’ said Ngawang on the day of his appointment. “With changes in Tibetan government in exile, the charter of Tibet and articles of Tibetan Justice Commission have also changed, therefore I will first do my research and study, and will then do my best in carrying out my responsibilities as a Justice Commissioner.”
The Chief Justice Commissioner and the two Justice Commissioners are appointed by the Tibetan Parliament in exile through a voting out of nominated candidates submitted by a selection committee, which is appointed by a committee of Chief Justice Commissioner, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parliament and Sikyong.
