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Nepal PM to wear sunglasses in parliament despite speaker's ban

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Prasad Balen Shah will continue wearing dark sunglasses during parliamentary proceedings after submitting medical documentation to justify the exemption. The parliament speaker had previously prohibited the eyewear during legislative sessions.

LSN India · 25 August 2026

Nepal PM to wear sunglasses in parliament despite speaker's ban

Prime Minister Balendra Prasad Balen Shah has secured parliamentary approval to wear dark sunglasses during legislative sessions, overriding an earlier ban imposed by the Speaker's office. The exemption was granted after Shah submitted medical certificates detailing his eye conditions to the parliament administration.

According to the medical documentation provided by the PM's office, Shah suffers from photophobia, a heightened sensitivity to light, as well as dry eye syndrome. Both conditions necessitate the use of protective eyewear to prevent discomfort and potential vision complications during extended periods of parliamentary work.

The Speaker's office had initially prohibited members from wearing sunglasses in the chamber as part of parliamentary decorum regulations. However, the submission of clinical evidence prompted a reconsideration of the blanket restriction, leading to the approval of Shah's exemption on medical grounds.

This development reflects an ongoing discussion in various legislatures across the region regarding the balance between maintaining formal parliamentary protocols and accommodating members with legitimate health requirements. The decision allows Shah to participate fully in parliamentary debates and proceedings while managing his documented ophthalmological conditions.