The Ethics Committee serves as a crucial parliamentary panel within the Lok Sabha, one of 36 such committees functioning consistently throughout the year. Its primary purpose is to uphold the ethical standards and integrity of Parliament.
The establishment of Ethics Committees in both houses of Parliament, as well as state assemblies, was proposed during a conference of presiding officers held in October 1996. The Rajya Sabha's Ethics Committee was established on March 4, 1997, and inaugurated by then Vice-President K.R. Narayanan on May 30, 1997. However, the Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee was not inaugurated until May 16, 2000, due to political instability, under the leadership of Speaker GMC Balayogi.
The Ethics Committee is responsible for overseeing the moral and ethical conduct of its members. It scrutinizes cases related to ethical misconduct and other inappropriate behaviors exhibited by Lok Sabha members. A unique aspect of this committee is its ability to handle complaints from the public against lawmakers, thereby directly engaging with citizens’ grievances.
Any Indian citizen can file complaints against Members of Parliament (MPs). However, a modification in 2014 mandates that these complaints must be submitted through another lawmaker. This adjustment was made to shield MPs from frivolous accusations. Following the submission, allegations are initially evaluated by the Lok Sabha Speaker, who determines whether to forward them to the Ethics Committee.
Once referred, the committee conducts hearings that involve both the complainant and the accused MP. After deliberation on the findings, a report is submitted to the Speaker. If the committee recommends punitive action, a motion is put forward in the House for a vote.
Recently, the committee gained attention due to a case involving Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, who faced allegations of 'cash-for-query.' This incident sparked significant controversy and resulted in Moitra's abrupt exit from a committee meeting. This highlights the committee's role in maintaining accountability within Parliament.
Q1. What is the primary purpose of the Ethics Committee in Lok Sabha?
Answer: The Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha is responsible for maintaining ethical standards and integrity among its members by overseeing their conduct and addressing complaints related to misconduct.
Q2. How can citizens file complaints against MPs?
Answer: Citizens can file complaints against MPs through another lawmaker, as per regulations modified in 2014 to prevent frivolous allegations against parliamentarians.
Q3. What happens after a complaint is filed?
Answer: After a complaint is submitted, the Lok Sabha Speaker assesses it and may refer it to the Ethics Committee, which then conducts hearings and submits its findings in a report.
Q4. Can the Ethics Committee recommend punitive actions?
Answer: Yes, if the Ethics Committee finds sufficient grounds for misconduct, it can recommend punitive actions, which are then voted upon in the Lok Sabha.
Q5. Why was the Ethics Committee in the news recently?
Answer: The committee was highlighted in the news due to a case involving allegations against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, which raised questions regarding parliamentary ethics and accountability.
Question 1: When was the Ethics Committee of the Rajya Sabha established?
A) March 4, 1997
B) May 16, 2000
C) October 1996
D) May 30, 1997
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: What is the main function of the Ethics Committee in Lok Sabha?
A) Legislative drafting
B) Oversight of ethical conduct
C) Financial auditing
D) Voter registration
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which modification was made to the complaint filing process in 2014?
A) Anonymous complaints allowed
B) Complaints must be filed through another lawmaker
C) Complaints can be filed directly to the Speaker
D) No complaints allowed
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Who assesses the initial allegations against MPs?
A) The Prime Minister
B) The Lok Sabha Speaker
C) The Ethics Committee Chair
D) The President of India
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What notable case brought attention to the Ethics Committee recently?
A) Allegations against a politician
B) Mahua Moitra's 'cash-for-query' allegations
C) A financial scandal
D) A legislative amendment
Correct Answer: B
Kutos : AI Assistant!
