Question
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 answers using the code given below:
Explanation
Answer: C (1 and 3 only)
• Statement 1 is correct: The Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha was initially constituted as an ad-hoc committee by the Speaker in 2000. It became a permanent standing committee of the House only in 2015 following its incorporation into the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Any person (not just a Member of the Lok Sabha) can make a complaint against a Member for unethical conduct or corrupt practices. If a complaint is filed by a member of the public, it must be supported by an affidavit and forwarded through a Member of the Lok Sabha, or submitted directly if accompanied by sufficient documentary evidence and an affidavit.
• Statement 3 is correct: The Committee is barred from taking up any matter that is sub-judice before a court of law.