Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane has submitted an application to Speaker Devraj Ghimire requesting to lift his suspension as a lawmaker, arguing that the decision is not legally valid.

Accompanied by 15 lawmakers from his party, Lamichhane met Speaker Ghimire on Friday, asserting that his suspension was not in accordance with the law.

Lamichhane requested the Speaker to revoke his suspension immediately, arguing that the courts didn’t send him to judicial custody for trial, which, according to him, should be a ground to exempt him from suspension.

In response, Speaker Ghimire questioned whether a case was not ongoing against him. He then asked legal experts for clarification.

The Parliament Secretariat had announced Lamichhane’s suspension on December 23 after a charge sheet was filed against him under money laundering offences. He had been released on bail from multiple district courts. He was released after paying Rs6.5 million in Kaski, Rs6 million in Kathmandu; and Rs10 million in Rupandehi as per the court orders in the respective districts.

Speaker Ghimire maintained that the suspension was in line with existing laws, parliamentary regulations, and established practices. “My decision was not influenced by any pressure, bias, or personal interest. It is my duty to abide by the law while holding this position,” the Speaker said, according to his secretariat.

He added that Lamichhane’s request would require discussion and consultation, but due to time constraints, it could not be addressed immediately.