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 correct answer using the code given below :
Contents10
- A1 and 2 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only
Correct Answer: (c) Statements 1 and 3 only.
Statement 1: The Ethics Committee was initially ad hoc — ✓ CORRECT.
Speaker G.M.C. Balayogi set up an ad hoc Ethics Committee in 2000.
It only became a permanent standing committee in 2015.
Statement 2: Only a Lok Sabha MP can complain — ✗ WRONG.
Any person can complain against an MP, but they must route it through a Lok Sabha member, along with evidence and an affidavit.
The Speaker can also directly refer complaints.
Statement 3: The Committee cannot take up sub-judice matters — ✓ CORRECT.
If a matter is already before a court, the Ethics Committee will not entertain it.
Key takeaway: The committee became permanent only in 2015 — that's quite recent.
And complaints can come from anyone (not just MPs), though they must be channelled through an MP.
The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee became a permanent standing committee only in 2015, making it one of the newest parliamentary committees.
The committee's rules allow any citizen to file complaints against MPs through a Lok Sabha member, creating a citizen-driven accountability mechanism.
UPSC is testing whether students know the recent transformation from ad-hoc to permanent status and the complaint mechanism details.
Lok Sabha Ethics Committee
Indian Polity Ethics Committee Lok Sabha unethical conduct
Lok Sabha Ethics Committee: Formation, Functions & UPSC Traps
Initially ad-hoc committee (2000), became permanent in 2015
Anyone can complain against MP, but must route through Lok Sabha member
Cannot take up sub-judice matters (already before courts)
Set up by Speaker G.M.C. Balayogi in 2000
The Ethics Committee deals with unethical conduct of Lok Sabha MPs. Understanding its evolution from ad-hoc to permanent status and complaint mechanism is crucial for UPSC.
Evolution & Key Features
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Initial Status | Ad-hoc committee (2000) |
Current Status | Permanent standing committee (since 2015) |
Established By | Speaker G.M.C. Balayogi |
Complaint Source | Any person (via Lok Sabha member + affidavit) |
Direct Referral | Speaker can refer complaints directly |
Limitation | Cannot take up sub-judice matters |
Complaint Mechanism
Complainant must provide evidence and affidavit along with complaint
Speaker has discretionary power to refer matters directly to committee
Committee examines complaints against MPs for breach of ethical conduct
Recommendations are submitted to Speaker for further action
Question Analysis
This 2024 PYQ tested the evolution timeline (ad-hoc to permanent) and complaint procedure. Statement 2 was the key trap - complaints can come from anyone, not just MPs.
Trap: Thinking only MPs can complain - anyone can complain but must route through MP
Trap: Confusing establishment date - committee became permanent in 2015, not from beginning
Trap: Sub-judice limitation applies to pending court cases, not completed ones
Recent fact: 15-year gap between ad-hoc (2000) and permanent status (2015) often tested
Parliamentary Committee Types
Indian Polity ad-hoc Committee Committee
Parliamentary Committees: Standing vs Ad-hoc Classification
Standing committees are permanent, ad-hoc committees are temporary
24 Standing committees in Lok Sabha, 11 in Rajya Sabha
Ad-hoc committees dissolve after completing specific task
Parliamentary committees are the backbone of legislative oversight. The distinction between standing (permanent) and ad-hoc (temporary) committees is frequently tested in UPSC.
Standing vs Ad-hoc Committees
Feature | Standing Committees | Ad-hoc Committees |
|---|---|---|
Nature | Permanent | Temporary |
Duration | Constitute every year | Until task completion |
Reconstitution | Automatic (new Lok Sabha) | Dissolve after work |
Examples | Ethics Committee (post-2015), PAC | JPC on 2G Scam, JPC on Stock Market |
Total Numbers | 24 (Lok Sabha), 11 (Rajya Sabha) | Varies as per need |
Key Standing Committees
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) - examines government expenditure
Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) - oversees PSUs
Estimates Committee - suggests economies in expenditure
Ethics Committee - deals with unethical conduct of members
Petitions Committee - examines petitions from public
Trap: Ethics Committee was ad-hoc initially (2000-2015), now standing
Trap: JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee) is always ad-hoc, never standing
Numbers: 35 total standing committees (24 Lok Sabha + 11 Rajya Sabha)
Confusion: PAC Chairman is always from Opposition, not ruling party
Sub-judice Principle
Indian Polity sub-judice
Sub-judice Principle: Parliamentary Limitations on Judicial Matters
Sub-judice means matter is under judicial consideration
Parliament cannot discuss matters pending before courts
Ensures separation of powers between legislature and judiciary
Sub-judice (Latin: under judgment) prevents Parliament from interfering with ongoing judicial proceedings. This principle maintains constitutional balance between legislative and judicial powers.
Application in Parliament
Speaker/Chairman decides if matter is sub-judice and restricts discussion
Applies to ongoing cases, not completed judicial proceedings
Parliamentary committees also bound by sub-judice limitations
Questions, debates, and resolutions on pending cases are disallowed
Protects fair trial and prevents legislative pressure on judiciary
Sub-judice Scope
Situation | Parliamentary Action Allowed? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
Case pending in court | No discussion | Sub-judice rule applies |
Case completed (judgment delivered) | Discussion allowed | No longer sub-judice |
Investigation by agencies | Limited discussion | Speaker's discretion |
Policy matters (general) | Full discussion | Not related to specific case |
Trap: Sub-judice applies only to pending cases, not completed ones
Authority: Speaker (Lok Sabha) and Chairman (Rajya Sabha) decide sub-judice
Scope: Covers debates, questions, resolutions and committee proceedings
Exception: Policy discussions may be allowed even if related cases are pending