COMMITTEES IN PARLIAMENT Syllabus GS Paper 2 - Polity)

Context: Recently, the ethics committee of the Lok Sabha is believed to have recommended the expulsion of Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament (MP) from the Lok Sabha for her "unethical conduct" and "breach of privileges."

Committee of Privileges

• About: It is a Parliamentary Committee present in both the Houses of the Parliament.
• Composition: 15 members in Lok Sabha (10 in case of Rajya Sabha) nominated by the Speaker (Chairman in case of Rajya Sabha).
• Functions: The committee reviews matters related to breaches of privilege.

oThe committee outlines the steps for the House to implement its recommendations.

oIf the Speaker refers a privilege question to the Committee, the Committee's report is presented to the Speaker, who may make final decisions or have it placed on the House's Table.

Ethics Committee in Parliament: Each house of the parliament has its own ethics committee.

• Lok Sabha

oConstitution: 2000

oComposition: 15 Members including Chairman

oAppointment: By Lok Sabha Speaker

oTenure: 1 year.

• Rajya Sabha

oConstitution: 1997

oComposition: 10 Members including Chairman

oAppointment: By Rajya Sabha Chairman

oTenure: 1 year.