Ethics Committee

• Context (IE): The Ethics Committee of the LS has summoned Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra regarding allegations made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.
• The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee consists of fifteen MPs nominated by the Speaker for a period of one year.

Procedure for complaints

• Any person can complain against a Member through another LS MP, 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.
• The Speaker can refer a complaint against an MP to the Committee.
• The Committee does not entertain complaints based only on media reports or sub judice matters.
• The Committee makes a prima facie inquiry before examining a complaint.
• It makes its recommendations after evaluating the complaint.
• The Committee presents its report to the Speaker.
• LS Speaker asks the House if the report should be considered.
• There is also a provision for a half-hour discussion on the report.

Overlapping Roles

• The work of the Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee often overlap.
• An allegation of corruption against an MP can be sent to either body, but usually, more serious accusations go to the Privileges Committee.
• The Ethics Committee can take up only cases of misconduct that involve MPs.