Q. 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 answer using the code given below : (UPSC Prelims 2024)
Answer: 1 and 3 only
Notes: The correct answer is [C] 1 and 3 only. The Ethics Committee is a dedicated parliamentary body that oversees the moral and ethical conduct of members to maintain the dignity of the House.

• Initially an ad-hoc Committee (Statement 1 – Correct): The Ethics Committee in 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 the recommendations of the Committee on Rules.
• Complaint Mechanism (Statement 2 – Incorrect): While a Member of the Lok Sabha can certainly make a complaint, any person (including a non-member/citizen) can also file a complaint against a member regarding unethical conduct. However, if a complaint is made by an outsider, it must be forwarded by a Member of the Lok Sabha to the Speaker. The Committee can also take up matters suo motu (on its own motion).
• Sub-judice Matters (Statement 3 – Correct): As per the rules of procedure, the Ethics Committee cannot take up any matter that is sub-judice (currently under consideration by a court of law). This prevents any conflict or interference with the judicial process.

The committee consists of not more than 15 members nominated by the Speaker for a term of one year. Its primary role is to examine complaints and recommend action, such as reprimand, censure, or even expulsion, though the final decision rests with the House.