Ethics Panel Recommends Disqualification Of MP Over ‘Cash-for-Query’ Allegation

Context:

• The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee  adopted a report recommending the expulsion of a Trinamool Congress MP from the Lower House over a “cash-for-query” allegation.

More on News: Six Votes Favor Report, Four Opposition in Key Decision

• While six members voted in favor of the report, including suspended Congress MP Praneet Kaur, four Opposition MPs opposed it.

Lok Sabha Ethics Committee: Formation, Functions, and Procedures

• Evolution and Establishment of Lok Sabha Ethics Committee
  • A study group of the House Committee of Privileges, after visiting Australia, the UK, and the US in 1997 to look into practices pertaining to the conduct and ethics of legislators, recommended the constitution of an Ethics Committee.
  • The Committee of Privileges finally recommended the constitution of an Ethics Committee during the 13th Lok Sabha. 
  • Lok Sabha Ethics Committee came into force in 2015 with a mandate to oversee the moral and ethical conduct of the MPs.
• Function: Examine complaints relating to unethical conduct of an MP and make recommendations as it may deem fit.
• Composition: Lok Sabha Ethics Committee–  15 members appointed by Speaker
• Term of Members: 1 year
• Procedure for complaints: 
  • Any person can complain against a Member through another Lok Sabha MP, along with evidence of the alleged misconduct, and an affidavit stating that the complaint is not “false, frivolous, or vexatious”. If the Member himself complains, the affidavit is not needed.
  • The Speaker can refer to the Committee any complaint against an MP.
  • The Committee does not entertain complaints based only on media reports or on matters that are sub judice. 
  • The Committee makes a prima facie inquiry before deciding to examine a complaint. It makes its recommendations after evaluating the complaint.
  • The Committee presents its report to the Speaker, who asks the House if the report should be taken up for consideration. There is also a provision for a half-hour discussion on the report.

Establishment and Functioning of Rajya Sabha Ethics Committee

• The first such Committee by any legislature in India was constituted by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha on 4 March 1997, to oversee the moral and ethical conduct of the Members.
• Composition: 10 members appointed by the Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
• Tenure: Committee holds office until a new committee is appointed, the casual vacancies arising are filled by the Chairman from time to time.

News Source: The Hindu

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