Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk

📍 The Question

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:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

✅ Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

🎯 Theme of the Question

Parliamentary Committees | Ethics & Accountability | Legislative Procedures | Current Affairs

This question checks understanding of institutional ethics mechanisms within Parliament, a topic frequently asked when ethics-related controversies are in news.

🧠 Classroom Explanation

🔹 Statement 1: Initially, it was an ad-hoc Committee

✔️ Correct

• The idea of an Ethics Committee originated from the Presiding Officers’ Conference (1996).
• In the Lok Sabha, an ad-hoc Ethics Committee was constituted in 2000 by Speaker G.M.C. Balayogi.
• It became a permanent committee only in 2015.

Hence, Statement 1 is correct.

🔹 Statement 2: Only a Lok Sabha Member can make a complaint

❌ Not Correct

• Any person can make a complaint through a Lok Sabha MP, supported by:
  • Documentary evidence
  • An affidavit declaring that the complaint is not frivolous or vexatious
• The Speaker may also directly refer a matter to the Ethics Committee.
• Therefore, complaints are not restricted only to MPs themselves.

Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

🔹 Statement 3: The Committee cannot take up sub judice matters

✔️ Correct

• The Ethics Committee does not entertain:
  • Matters that are sub judice
  • Complaints based only on media reports
• A prima facie inquiry is conducted before deciding whether to examine a complaint.

Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

📊 Final Assessment

👉 Correct answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

🧩 Prelims Memory Hook

“Ethics Committee: Started ad-hoc, permanent later, courts first if sub judice.”

🧭 IAS Monk Whisper

Ethics in Parliament survives not on power, but on procedure.