Raghav JhunjhunwalaAIR 4 · CSE 2025 · 293 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a recent event
Recently, the expulsion of an MP in cash for query scam has brought the Ethics & Privileges committee into limelight.
Earlier, there was only a Privileges committee in both Houses, and later by 90s and early 2000s, Ethics co. was established and later became permanent committee.
| Basis | Ethics co. | Privileges |
|---|---|---|
| ① Jurisdiction | MPs only | MPs + any person (Attorney General, etc.) who participated in house proceedings (Even media) |
| Ethics Co. | Privileges Co. | |
|---|---|---|
| ② Nature of Investigation | Direct acts which lowered the MPs desired behaviour. | Includes even contemptuous behavior of MPs etc. |
| ③ Manner of Investigation | Summons witnesses, undertakes primary proceedig, etc. wrt any conduct which lowers the conduct of mps | Doesn't go that deep into investigation. Just ponders upon a question if there was a direct breach of Privileges or not. |
Thus, we can say that the coverage of Ethics co. is much broader than that of Privileges co.
Body · points and prose
- A square box labelled "Ethics co." containing a circle labelled "Privileges co."
All breach of Privileges ⊆ ethical violation (subset of)
Complementing Each Other
- There is no watertight separation in the domain of both committees.
- Generally, more serious offences are sent to Privileges committee for deliberations.
- Both committees interact with other's members to decide upon course of action.
- Both have similar nature:
- Appointment by speaker
- 1 year tenure
- Advisory nature
- Both are aimed at ensuring the desirable conduct of the House.
Close · a summary
Thus, with recent developments, ethics & Privileges committee have a critical role to play in ensuring dignity of House.