Previous Year Question

Statement 1 is correct. The Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha was initially constituted as an ad-hoc committee. It was constituted in 2000 by the then Speaker, G. M. C. Balayogi. It became a permanent committee of the Lok Sabha in 2015.

The Committee consists of 15 members nominated by the Speaker. Its principal functions include:

• Examining complaints concerning the unethical conduct of Lok Sabha members.

• Considering matters relating to the ethical and moral conduct of members.

• Formulating a code of conduct for members.

• Recommending appropriate action to the Lok Sabha after an inquiry.

Statement 2 is incorrect. A complaint is not restricted exclusively to a Member of the Lok Sabha. Any other person may also complain about the unethical conduct of a Lok Sabha member, but such a complaint must be forwarded through a Member of the Lok Sabha.

Thus:

• A Lok Sabha member may submit a complaint directly.

• A person who is not a member may also complain, provided the complaint is forwarded through a Lok Sabha member.

The word “only” makes Statement 2 incorrect.

Statement 3 is correct. The Ethics Committee cannot take up a matter that is sub-judice before a court. This rule prevents interference or conflict between a parliamentary inquiry and ongoing judicial proceedings.

The Ethics Committee should be distinguished from the Committee of Privileges:

• The Ethics Committee examines unethical conduct and matters relating to the code of conduct of members.

• The Committee of Privileges examines breaches of the privileges of the House, its committees or its members, and cases involving contempt of the House.