Speaker orders probe into disorder in House

KATHMANDU: Speaker DP Aryal has signalled possible disciplinary action against lawmakers involved in disorderly conduct during a recent sitting of the House of Representatives, following chaotic scenes during the passage of the House Rules.

During yesterday’s session, opposition lawmakers reportedly surrounded the well of the House and attempted to snatch the Speaker’s microphone, leading to a tense standoff between ruling and opposition members.

The situation escalated into a physical confrontation, accompanied by loud protests and disruptions from the opposition benches. Despite the chaos, the Speaker announced the passage of the rules based on a majority decision.

In response to the incident, Speaker Aryal informed today’s sitting that a three-member investigation committee has been formed under the coordination of Federal Parliament Secretariat Secretary Prakash Adhikari.

The committee also includes the heads of the Internal Service and Planning Management Division and the Information Technology Management Division of the Secretariat.

The committee has been given seven days to submit its report to the Speaker. Following its findings, disciplinary measures may be taken under Rule 33(4) of the House of Representatives Regulations.

According to the provision, if any member engages in disruptive, objectionable or destructive behaviour, or causes physical damage within the chamber, the Speaker may, even after the conclusion of the sitting, suspend the member for up to 15 days and order compensation for any damage caused.

The regulation also requires that the concerned member must be given a fair opportunity to present their defence before any disciplinary order is issued.

The Speaker noted that preliminary information and an official record of the incident had already been compiled, paving the way for further review by the committee.