ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 26th June. Click Here for more information.
Source: The post is based on the article “Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee: its history, constitution and members” published in “Indian Express” on 26th October 2023
Why in News?
Lok Sabha Speaker has referred a “cash-for-query” complaint made by an MP against another MP to the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee.
What is Lok Sabha Ethics Committee?
| Specifications | Detail |
| Origin | 1996: Presiding Officers’ Conference suggested ethics panels for both houses. 1997: Ethics Committee constituted in Rajya Sabha 13th Lok Sabha: Committee of Privileges recommends Lok Sabha Ethics Committee 2000: Ad hoc Ethics Committee established in Lok Sabha. 2015: Ethics Committee becomes a permanent part of Lok Sabha. |
| Members | 15 |
| Appointed by | The Speaker appoints members of the committee for one year. |
| Functions | 1. To examine every complaint relating to unethical conduct of a Member of Lok Sabha referred to it by the Speaker and make recommendations 2. To formulate a code of conduct for Members 3. To suggest amendments or additions to the code of conduct from time to time. |
What is the difference between Ethics committee and privilege committee?
The work of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee often overlap. An allegation of corruption against an MP can be sent to either body, but usually more serious accusations go to the Privileges Committee.
A non-MP too can be interrogated by the privilege committee for actions that attack the authority and dignity of the House. The Ethics Committee can take up only cases of misconduct that involve MPs.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: Indian Polity– Important Bodies.
