Kathmandu, 18 May (H.S.): Lawmakers in Nepal’s Parliament have been prohibited from staging protests inside the House using placards and pamphlets. The restriction came after opposition members demonstrated during Monday’s session of the House of Representatives of Nepal.

During the session, opposition lawmakers initially approached Speaker DP Aryal while holding placards and later participated in the proceedings with protest leaflets attached to their chests.

Amid the disruption, Speaker Aryal directed lawmakers not to use placards or pamphlets for protests inside Parliament. He stated that there are many ways to express dissent, but protests must remain within the boundaries of parliamentary decorum.

“There are several ways to protest, but demonstrations should be conducted with dignity and discipline,” the Speaker said. “I urge members to treat this as an official directive and ensure that future protests remain orderly and respectful.”

Speaker Aryal also described such demonstrations as unparliamentary. He noted that the practice of displaying pamphlets or placards inside the House is neither recognized under parliamentary law nor mentioned in the rules of procedure or established parliamentary traditions.

“Such practices are not reflected in our laws, regulations, or parliamentary conduct,” he added. “Therefore, protests in the future should be carried out in a dignified manner.”

Despite the Speaker’s instruction, lawmakers from the Labour Culture Party continued to remain seated in the House with protest leaflets attached to their chests.

Earlier, opposition parties had demanded that Prime Minister Balendra Shah personally respond to questions raised regarding the government’s policies and programs. However, the Prime Minister did not attend the parliamentary session. Instead, Finance Minister Swarnim Waglé responded on behalf of the government.

The lawmakers’ protest on Monday was centered on this issue.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar