Ravi Lamichhane: What Will the New House of Representatives Rules Say About Suspension of MPs?

As the new rules for the House of Representatives are being prepared, some have called for a decision on whether to suspend Ravi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, due to the ongoing cases against him. Lamichhane, who was suspended in the previous House over allegations related to cooperative sector money laundering, had addressed the first meeting of the newly elected House on behalf of his party.

While the money laundering case is still pending in court, Lamichhane was re-elected to the House from Chitwan-2. Some have raised questions about how he was able to enter parliament given that he was suspended in the previous term and current legal provisions remain unchanged. Section 27 of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2064 (2007), stipulates automatic suspension for officials, employees, or public servants against whom money laundering cases are filed.

Dinesh Prasai, chairman of the Gatisheel Democratic Party, which has no parliamentary representation, also highlighted this issue, urging a decision on Lamichhane’s suspension. However, certain legal experts argue that since the new parliament has the authority to establish its own rules, an accused person isn’t automatically suspended while the case is ongoing. Among those advocating on Lamichhane’s behalf is senior advocate and former Attorney General Sushil Pant. “The automatic suspension provision applies when the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority files corruption or money laundering cases. However, this automatic application is not in effect within the parliament,” Pant said ahead of the election.