Correct Answer : Option (C) - 1 and 3 only
Note :
About Ethics Committee :
* This committee was constituted in Rajya Sabha in 1997 and in Lok Sabha in 2000. It enforces the code of conduct of members of Parliament. It examines the cases of misconduct and recommends appropriate action. Thus, it is engaged in maintaining discipline and decorum in Parliament.
* It is the only committee that probes lay citizen's complaints against lawmakers of the Lok Sabha.
History of Ethics Committee in LokSabha :
* In the case of Lok Sabha, 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, but it could not be taken up by Lok Sabha.
* The Committee of Privileges finally recommended the constitution of an Ethics Committee during the 13th Lok Sabha. The late Speaker, G M C Balayogi, constituted an ad hoc Ethics Committee in 2000, which became a permanent part of the House only in 2015. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Procedure for Complaints :
* Initially, there was a provision under the rules of the Ethics Committee that allowed any Indian citizen to file a complaint against a lawmaker.
* But, in 2014, a sub-committee suggested that such a provision would allow any political rival to lodge complaints against a lawmaker on flimsy grounds. The rule was then modified to the extent that a complaint had to be submitted to the panel through a lawmaker.
* Till then, 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. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
* However, the committee does not entertain complaints solely based on media reports or matters currently under judicial review. Hence, statement 3 is correct
Hence, option C is correct.
Source :
Rajyasabha,
Indianexpress,
Indianexpress,
Business Standard
