Daily Current Affairs : 28-October-2023

In the recent unfolding of events, Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee has taken the helm in investigating the alarming ‘Cash for Query’ allegations against a Member of Parliament (MP), emphasizing the crucial nexus between ethics, governance, and democracy.

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Potential Outcomes of an Ethics Committee Investigation:

  • Ethics Committee Recommendations:
    • Upon finding merit in a complaint, the Ethics Committee can propose recommendations concerning alleged misconduct.
  • Suspension Recommendation:
    • A common disciplinary measure involves suspending the accused MP for a specific duration.
  • House Decision:
    • The ultimate decision on the committee’s recommendations and the consequent punishment rests with the entire House, comprising all MPs.
  • Legal Challenge:
    • If an MP faces expulsion or an adverse decision, legal recourse is an option, albeit within limited grounds like unconstitutionality or denial of natural justice.

2. Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee:

  • Formation and Evolution:
    • The Ethics Committee members are appointed by the Speaker for a one-year term, a concept proposed in 1996.
    • The Rajya Sabha’s Ethics Committee was formed in 1997, while the Lok Sabha established a permanent Ethics Committee in 2015.
  • Complaint Procedures:
    • Any individual, including an MP, can file a complaint, substantiated by evidence and an affidavit.
    • The Ethics Committee conducts a preliminary inquiry before delving deeper into a complaint, ensuring fairness and due process.
  • Involvement of the Speaker:
    • The Speaker, the custodian of parliamentary ethics, plays a pivotal role by referring complaints to the Ethics Committee and seeking the House’s opinion on the committee’s report.

3. Overlap with Privileges Committee:

  • Ethics vs. Privileges Committee:
    • The Ethics Committee primarily handles cases of misconduct involving MPs, while the Privileges Committee safeguards the authority and dignity of Parliament.
    • More serious allegations, particularly those questioning the integrity of the House, are directed to the Privileges Committee.
  • Functions and Scope:
    • Privileges Committee ensures the protection of Parliament’s freedom and authority, focusing on individual Members and the House as a whole.
    • Breaches of privilege, whether by an MP or an outsider, fall under the Privileges Committee’s purview, highlighting the comprehensive approach to maintaining parliamentary integrity.
Important Points:
  • Potential Outcomes of an Ethics Committee Investigation:
    • Committee can recommend disciplinary actions for alleged misconduct.
    • Suspension of the accused MP is a common punishment.
    • Final decision on punishment rests with the entire House.
    • Accused MP has the option to challenge an adverse decision in court.
  • Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee:
    • Members appointed by the Speaker for a one-year term.
    • Concept proposed in 1996; Rajya Sabha’s committee formed in 1997.
    • Lok Sabha’s permanent Ethics Committee established in 2015.
    • Complaints can be filed by anyone, supported by evidence and an affidavit.
    • Preliminary inquiry conducted before formal investigation.
  • Overlap with Privileges Committee:
    • Ethics Committee handles misconduct cases involving MPs.
    • Privileges Committee safeguards Parliament’s freedom and authority.
    • Serious allegations directed to Privileges Committee.
    • Privileges Committee deals with breaches of privilege, whether by an MP or an outsider.
Why In News

Recently, Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee has initiated an investigation into ‘Cash for Query’ allegations against a Member of Parliament (MP) who is accused of accepting bribes to ask questions in Parliament. The committee aims to ensure transparency and uphold the integrity of parliamentary proceedings, reinforcing the commitment to ethical conduct among elected representatives.

MCQs about Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee

  1. What is the primary role of Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee?
    A. To pass new laws in the parliament
    B. To investigate allegations of misconduct against MPs
    C. To oversee government budget allocations
    D. To manage parliamentary sessions
    Correct Answer: B. To investigate allegations of misconduct against MPs
    Explanation: The Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct against Members of Parliament (MPs) and ensuring ethical conduct within the parliament.
  2. What is the punishment commonly recommended by the Ethics Committee for misconduct by an MP?
    A. Expulsion from the parliament
    B. Fine imposition
    C. Suspension for a specified period
    D. Verbal warning
    Correct Answer: C. Suspension for a specified period
    Explanation: The Ethics Committee often recommends the suspension of the accused Member of Parliament (MP) for a specific duration as a disciplinary measure for misconduct.
  3. Who appoints the members of Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee?
    A. The President of India
    B. The Prime Minister
    C. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
    D. The Chief Justice of India
    Correct Answer: C. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
    Explanation: The members of Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee are appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha for a one-year term.
  4. What is the main function of the Privileges Committee in parliament?
    A. Managing parliamentary elections
    B. Safeguarding Parliament’s freedom and authority
    C. Drafting new legislation
    D. Conducting foreign policy discussions
    Correct Answer: B. Safeguarding Parliament’s freedom and authority
    Explanation: The Privileges Committee’s primary role is to safeguard the freedom, authority, and dignity of Parliament. It deals with breaches of privilege, ensuring the integrity of parliamentary proceedings.

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