Q1: What is the current controversy surrounding TMC MP Mahua Moitra?
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra is currently under investigation by the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee due to allegations of bribery and misconduct. Businessman Darshan Hiranandani has stated that he compensated Moitra to pose specific questions in Parliament on his behalf.
Q2: What is the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee and its purpose?
The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee is a body that investigates complaints related to unethical conduct by a member of the Lok Sabha. Its main goal is to ensure that members maintain ethical standards and moral integrity.
Q3: How was the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee formed?
This committee was established in 2000 and became a permanent fixture of the House in 2015. Its inception was based on an ethics committee report prepared in 1997, which studied the ethical conduct of lawmakers in countries such as Australia, the UK, and the US.
Q4: What powers does the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee possess?
The Ethics Committee has the authority to conduct investigations, summon witnesses, and request documents. It can also recommend corrective actions against members found guilty of ethical misconduct or violations of the code of conduct.
Q5: What’s the difference between the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee?
While both committees aim to uphold the dignity of Parliament and its members, the Ethics Committee focuses on ethical misconduct or code violations, whereas the Privileges Committee deals with breaches of privilege or contempt of Parliament.
Q6: Who can file a complaint with the Ethics Committee?
Any individual can file a complaint regarding a member’s alleged unethical behavior. However, the complainant must disclose their identity and provide supporting evidence. The committee may choose to keep the identity of the complainant confidential.
Q7: What actions can the Ethics Committee take against guilty MPs?
The committee can recommend various penalties such as censure, reprimand, suspension from the House for a specified duration, or any other penalty it deems appropriate.
Q8: Can the Ethics Committee take suo motu actions?
Indeed, the Ethics Committee has the discretion to address issues independently, without the necessity of an external complaint.
Q9: What is the procedure once a complaint is deemed valid?
Upon validating a complaint that falls within its jurisdiction, the committee initiates a preliminary inquiry. If a complaint is proven false, it is considered a breach of parliamentary privilege. If substantiated, the committee recommends an appropriate penalty.
Q10: How does the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee differ from the Rajya Sabha Ethics Committee?
The Rajya Sabha Ethics Committee was established earlier, in 1997, and operates under its unique guidelines and procedures. In contrast, the Lok Sabha committee was made permanent in 2015, drawing on previous studies and recommendations for its operational framework.
Understanding ethics in governance is essential for maintaining accountability within the parliamentary system.
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