KATHMANDU: Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has strongly objected to actions by opposition lawmakers during today’s session of the House of Representatives, accusing them of undermining parliamentary rules and the authority of the chair.

The dispute arose when Nepali Congress Chief Whip Nishkal Rai unilaterally called for a five-minute moment of silence in honor of national martyrs without prior approval from the Speaker. Lawmakers from the opposition followed the call, while the Speaker immediately intervened, stating that such procedural decisions cannot be made independently by members.

Speaker Aryal said allowing members to set timings and conduct proceedings on their own “disrespects the sanctity of Parliament” and weakens institutional discipline.

The brief disruption created visible division on the House floor before proceedings were brought back under control.