KATHMANDU: Members of Nepal’s House of Representatives will no longer be allowed to wear black sunglasses during parliamentary proceedings, as Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal moves to strengthen the dignity and discipline of the legislature.
Chairing a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee on Wednesday, Aryal warned that any lawmaker attending a House session wearing black sunglasses could be ordered to leave the chamber. He also directed all political parties to ensure their lawmakers wear formal attire, including coats and official parliamentary logos, during sittings.
According to lawmakers present at the meeting, the Speaker said there would be no exceptions unless a member presents medical certification proving an eye condition that requires tinted glasses.
The move comes after several ministers and lawmakers, including senior government officials, have been seen attending House sessions wearing black sunglasses. Concerns were also raised over some ministers appearing without the mandatory parliamentary logo.
CPN chief whip Yubaraj Dulal said lawmakers asked whether the rule would also apply to the Prime Minister. In response, the Speaker reportedly said it was the responsibility of the ruling parties to ensure the Prime Minister and ministers comply with the dress code, including removing black sunglasses unless medically necessary.
Representatives from other parties also backed efforts to uphold parliamentary decorum, stressing the need for proper attire, regular attendance and disciplined conduct in the House.
The Speaker’s Secretariat said the committee also discussed lawmakers’ code of conduct, dress regulations, agenda management and measures to make parliamentary proceedings more regular, orderly and effective.
Parliamentary calendar approved
The Business Advisory Committee also endorsed the House calendar covering July 30 to August 26 (Shrawan 14 to Bhadra 10), with priority given to pending legislation.
According to the Parliament Secretariat, the House aims to process nine bills during the period, including passing two bills, referring others to parliamentary committees, hearing ministers’ responses and tabling several treaties and agreements.
Law and Justice Minister Sobita Gautam told the meeting that Parliament would continue sitting regularly until the Dashain festival, with the government planning to introduce as many as 15 to 20 bills during the current session.
