Debate over Parliamentary Decorum between Khagendra Sunar and Police Chief Dan Bahadur Karki in Public Accounts Committee Meeting
The Federal Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee discussion on Wednesday focused on allegations of irregularities in the purchase of police uniforms, an issue that has attracted significant attention. The meeting included the Secretary of the Home Ministry, heads of the Armed Police and Nepal Police, and ruling party National Independent Party (Raswapa) lawmakers, including Khagendra Sunar, who sparked a broad public debate regarding parliamentary expression, decorum, and traditions.
The session raised questions about the style and respectfulness appropriate in parliamentary discussions. While some argued that the police chief, a highly respected official, should not be publicly reprimanded without substantiated complaints, others pointed out that in parliamentary systems, lawmakers traditionally have the right to pose direct and tough questions to officials, a practice common in other democracies. Additionally, comments have emerged critiquing Police Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki’s responses as lacking precision.
Political analyst Milan Shrestha noted that the questions raised by Sunar and others were legitimate. “If the official summoned to respond provides unsatisfactory answers, further meetings may be convened, and if doubts persist, an investigative committee can be formed. However, it is inappropriate to employ disrespectful language towards the head of a security institution without understanding parliamentary decorum,” stated Shrestha, associate professor in the Department of Political Science at Tribhuvan University. Former Parliamentary Secretary Manohar Bhattarai emphasized the responsibility of the committee chair and members to ensure that lawmakers maintain respectful discussions. “It is essential to uphold a dignified style within legal limits and avoid presenting issues in a manner that insults anyone, as this is also a matter of discipline,” Bhattarai added.
Khagendra Sunar defended the significance of the issues he raised, asserting that the focus should be on the content rather than his style of expression. “If my style is inappropriate, I will improve or remain silent, but the primary and foremost matter is the issue I brought forward,” he stated. “After serious allegations, the parliamentary committee must take effective action.” During the meeting, Sunar argued that senior officials against whom allegations have been made should be relieved of their duties until investigations are complete. He posed rhetorical questions such as, “Vitamin is found in oranges, vitamin is found in eggs, but what vitamin is there in shoes and socks?”
However, when members of his own party appeared uncomfortable, Sunar left the meeting in protest. While there was acknowledgment that more care should be taken in word choice, his statements were not deemed outright inappropriate. “There may be a lack of training, but it is also related to individual natural expression,” said Bharat Bahadur Khadka, committee chairperson. “During discussions, some uncomfortable situations arose, and I had issued instructions at the time regarding choice of words. Our intention was not to disrespect the security agencies.”
The Public Accounts Committee is considered the most important parliamentary committee, with its chairmanship generally assigned to a member of the main opposition party. According to the parliamentary website, “The core responsibility of the Public Accounts Committee is to ensure that state expenditures follow parliamentary directives and to investigate the effective use of public funds.”
