Parliamentary Ethics Committee: Origin, Composition and Functions
The parliamentary ethics committee enforces the code of conduct of MPs, examining misconduct complaints in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
At a glance
The parliamentary committee that enforces the code of conduct of MPs and examines misconduct complaints.
Rajya Sabha: 10 members (since 1997). Lok Sabha: 15 members (since 2000, initially ad hoc).
Maintains discipline, decorum, and public trust in Parliament through member self-regulation.
Timeline
The parliamentary ethics committee is the body responsible for enforcing the code of conduct of Members of Parliament, examining complaints of unethical or improper conduct and recommending action where a member is found at fault. It exists separately in each House — the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha each maintain their own Ethics Committee — and its work is central to maintaining discipline and decorum within Parliament.
Origin
The Rajya Sabha constituted its Ethics Committee in 1997, making it the first House to institutionalise ethical oversight of its members in this form. The Lok Sabha followed later, constituting its own Ethics Committee in 2000; when it was first set up, the Lok Sabha's committee began life as an ad hoc body rather than a standing one.
Composition
| House | Strength |
|---|---|
| Lok Sabha | 15 members |
| Rajya Sabha | 10 members |
Functions
The Ethics Committee enforces the code of conduct applicable to Members of Parliament. When a complaint of unethical conduct is raised against a member, the committee examines it and recommends appropriate action to the House. Its role is thus disciplinary and preventive: by scrutinising allegations of impropriety, it helps uphold standards of behaviour expected of elected representatives and protects the credibility of the House as an institution.
A few procedural safeguards define how the committee operates in the Lok Sabha:
- Only a member of the Lok Sabha can lodge a complaint about the unethical conduct of a fellow Lok Sabha member — outside parties or the general public cannot directly approach the committee.
- The committee does not take up any matter that is sub-judice, that is, already pending before a court of law, to avoid conflict with judicial proceedings.
Ethics Committee in the Wider Committee System
The Ethics Committee is one of several parliamentary committees dealing with the conduct and privileges of members, alongside bodies such as the Committee of Privileges, which examines breaches of parliamentary privilege in a semi-judicial capacity. While the Committee of Privileges deals with privileges of the House as a whole, the Ethics Committee is focused specifically on individual member conduct and the code of conduct.
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: A recurring theme in past papers — remember that the Rajya Sabha Ethics Committee predates the Lok Sabha one (1997 versus 2000), that only a Lok Sabha member can complain about a Lok Sabha member's conduct, and that the committee cannot examine sub-judice matters.
Mains: Relevant to GS2 discussions on parliamentary self-regulation, standards in public life, and mechanisms for maintaining accountability and decorum among elected representatives.
FAQ
Q1. When was the Ethics Committee constituted in each House? The Rajya Sabha constituted its Ethics Committee in 1997, and the Lok Sabha constituted its own in 2000.
Q2. How many members does the Ethics Committee have in each House? The Lok Sabha's Ethics Committee has 15 members, while the Rajya Sabha's has 10 members.
Q3. Who can complain about the unethical conduct of a Lok Sabha member? Only a member of the Lok Sabha can make such a complaint.
Q4. Can the Ethics Committee examine a matter that is before a court of law? No, the committee cannot take up any matter that is sub-judice.
Q5. What was the initial status of the Lok Sabha's Ethics Committee? It was initially an ad hoc committee when first constituted.
Quick Revision
- Rajya Sabha Ethics Committee: constituted 1997.
- Lok Sabha Ethics Committee: constituted 2000, initially ad hoc.
- Strength: 15 members (Lok Sabha), 10 members (Rajya Sabha).
- Only a Lok Sabha member may complain against a Lok Sabha member's conduct.
- Cannot examine sub-judice matters.
Sources
Further Reference
For deeper reading on this topic and the wider polity syllabus, these standard works are recommended:
- M. Laxmikanth, Indian Polity (McGraw Hill) — the standard UPSC handbook.
- D.D. Basu, Introduction to the Constitution of India (LexisNexis) — authoritative constitutional-law treatment.
- The Constitution of India — Bare Act — the official text.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, UPSC.wiki earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.