Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha UPSC Pre 2024

Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha

Which of the following statements about the Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha are correct?

1. Initially it was an ad-hoc Committee.

2. Only a Member of the Lok Sabha can make a complaint relating to unethical conduct of a member of the Lok Sabha.

3. This Committee cannot take up any matter which is sub-judice.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only                                (b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only                            (d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans. C

1. Initially it was an ad-hoc Committee. This is correct. The Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha was initially formed as an ad-hoc committee and later became a permanent standing committee.
2. Only a Member of the Lok Sabha can make a complaint relating to unethical conduct of a member of the Lok Sabha. This is incorrect. Any person can make a complaint relating to the unethical conduct of a member of the Lok Sabha.

This Committee cannot take up any matter which is sub-judice. This is correct. The Ethics Committee cannot deal with any matter that is currently under judicial consideration (sub-judice).

More about Ethics Committee in the lok sabha 

An Ethicsl Committee is a group established to evaluate and address ethical issues and dilemmas within an organization or research setting. Its primary roles include:

1. Reviewing Ethical Concerns: The committee examines ethical questions related to projects, research, policies, or practices to ensure they align with ethical standards and principles.
2. Ensuring Compliance: It ensures that the organization or research complies with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards, including those related to human and animal rights, privacy, and integrity.
3. Providing Guidance: The committee offers advice and recommendations to help individuals and organizations navigate ethical challenges and make decisions that uphold ethical standards.
4. Monitoring and Oversight: It monitors ongoing projects or practices to ensure they adhere to ethical guidelines and can intervene if ethical breaches occur.
5. Training and Education: The committee often provides training and resources to educate members of the organization or research team about ethical practices and standards.

Ethics Committees are crucial in maintaining integrity and trust in research and organizational activities by ensuring that ethical considerations are thoroughly addressed.

Ethics committee vs Privilege committee

Ethics Committees and Privileges Committees are both parliamentary committees, but they differ in terms of their mandate, functions, and areas of focus.

1. Ethics Committee in the lok sabha:

The Ethics Committee is responsible for ensuring that members of Parliament (MPs) follow ethical standards and maintain the dignity of their office. Its role is to examine any misconduct or inappropriate behavior by MPs, and to suggest reforms to improve the ethical standards of the institution.

Functions of the Ethics Committee in the lok sabha:

• Upholding Ethical Standards: Ensures that MPs abide by the code of conduct and maintain ethical behavior in their public and private lives.
• Inquiries into Misconduct: Examines cases where an MP has violated the prescribed code of conduct or engaged in activities that tarnish the dignity of Parliament.
• Advisory Role: Suggests reforms or measures to improve transparency, accountability, and ethical standards within Parliament.
• Recommendations for Action: In cases of ethical violations, the committee can recommend appropriate penalties, including censure or suspension.

Key Focus Areas:

• Ethical behavior in Parliament.
• Conflict of interest issues.
• Financial disclosures by MPs.
• Misuse of office or privileges.

Example: An Ethics Committee in lok sabha may investigate an MP for accepting bribes or engaging in corruption, and recommend appropriate disciplinary action.

2. Privileges Committee:

The Privileges Committee is responsible for examining any breach of parliamentary privileges or contempt of Parliament. It deals with the special rights and immunities granted to MPs and the Parliament as an institution, ensuring that these privileges are not infringed upon or misused.

Functions of the Privileges Committee:

• Protection of Parliamentary Privileges: Safeguards the privileges, rights, and immunities granted to MPs and the institution of Parliament.
• Inquiries into Breaches: Investigates cases where an MP or an external person has violated parliamentary privileges, such as obstructing an MP from performing their duties or disobeying parliamentary orders.
• Recommendations for Action: In cases of privilege breaches, the committee recommends punitive actions such as censure, reprimand, or imprisonment in extreme cases.

Key Focus Areas:

• Freedom of speech in Parliament.
• Immunity from legal action for actions performed in the course of parliamentary duties.
• Obstruction or interference in the functioning of Parliament or its members.
• Breach of confidential parliamentary information.

Example: The Privileges Committee may take action against an individual or organization that disrupts parliamentary proceedings or prevents an MP from attending Parliament.

Key Differences:

Both committees play important roles in maintaining the integrity of parliamentary proceedings, with the Ethics Committee in the lok sabha focusing on conduct and behavior, while the Privileges Committee addresses legal rights and privileges.

Also Read

• The United Nation Explained
• The world Bank Explained
• 10 Major International Organizations
• Major players in Global Politics
• What is Bulldozer Justice 

Ethics Committee in the lok sabha,Ethics Committee in the lok sabha,Ethics Committee in the lok sabha