Kathmandu, September 15
CPN-UML Chief Whip Ain Bahadur Mahar has raised a point of order after Home Minister Sudan Gurung walked across the House while a lawmaker was speaking.
During Tuesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Gurung walked in front of Yubraj Dulal, chief whip of the Nepali Communist Party, while Dulal was addressing the House.
Mahar drew the attention of Speaker Dol Prasad Ghimire to the incident, saying it violated the rules of the House.
“When Honourable Yubraj Dulal was speaking, the Honourable Home Minister walked through the space between the Speaker’s chair and the member who was speaking,” Mahar said.
He referred to Rule 20(6) of the House of Representatives Regulations, which prohibits members from walking between the Speaker’s chair and a member who is addressing the House.
Mahar said former Prime Minister Balendra Shah had also violated the same rule in the past.
He urged members to follow parliamentary rules and maintain the dignity of the House.
What does Rule 20 say?
Rule 20 of the House of Representatives Regulations lays down rules of conduct that members must follow during a meeting.
Under the provision, members are required to stand and show respect when the Speaker enters the meeting hall.
Members may leave the meeting hall only after the meeting has been adjourned and the Speaker has left.
Members are required to speak only after being given permission by the Speaker.
When speaking, members must address the Speaker and, unless otherwise directed by the Speaker, speak while standing at their designated place.
The rules also state that members should not leave their seats while the Speaker is addressing the House and should listen attentively.
Members are specifically prohibited from walking between the Speaker’s chair and a member who is speaking.
The rules further prohibit members from sitting or standing with their backs turned towards the Speaker’s chair.
Members are also barred from engaging in any activity that obstructs a member who is speaking, disrupts the dignity of the House or creates disorder during the meeting.
