The story so far: The ethics committee of the Lok Sabha is believed to have recommended the expulsion of Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Mahua Moitra from the Lok Sabha for her “unethical conduct” and “breach of privileges”. This follows the ethics committee examining the complaints which accused her of asking questions to target a leading business house at the behest of a businessman in exchange for cash. She was also accused of sharing her log-in credentials with the businessman.
What is the role of ethics committee?
The ethics committee was constituted in 2000, to oversee the moral and ethical conduct of members and examine cases of ‘unethical conduct’ referred to it. The Committee examines complaints filed against members of the House by other members; outsiders through a member; or referred by the Speaker. The Committee makes a prima facie inquiry before deciding to examine a complaint and presents its report to the Speaker, who places it before the House for consideration. It must be noted that the term ‘unethical’ is not defined. It is left to the Committee to decide whether any act is unethical or not. In 2007, an MP accompanying his close female companion, impersonating her as his wife was considered ‘unethical’ by the Committee. It recommended suspension of the MP from 30 sittings of the House.
