Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha

Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha

News: Recently, Lok Sabha Speaker has referred a “cash-for-query” complaint made by a BJP MP against a Trinamool Congress member to the Ethics Committee of the Lower House.

About:
• The Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha is a body that oversees the moral and ethical conduct of the members of the Lok Sabha. It was established in 2000 by the late Speaker G M C Balayogi and became a permanent part of the House in 2015.
• The committee’s functions include:
• Examining complaints of unethical conduct by members of the Lok Sabha.
• Making recommendations.
• Formulating a code of conduct for members.
• Suggesting amendments or additions to the code of conduct.
• The committee has the authority to entertain complaints against members of Parliament submitted by any person, including other members of Parliament.
• The Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha consists of 15 MPs

What is ‘cash for query’?
• The term “cash for query” refers to a scandal where a member of Parliament is accused of accepting money in exchange for asking questions in Parliament. This term was first used in the context of the December 2005 'Cash for Query Scandal’.
• A recent example is the case involving BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mahua Moitra. Dubey accused Moitra of “asking questions in Parliament in exchange for cash and gifts” from a businessman. He demanded immediate suspension of Moitra from the House and urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to constitute an “inquiry committee” to look into the charges against her. The Lok Sabha Speaker has sent Dubey’s complaint regarding allegations linked to ‘bribe for questions’ charge against Moitra to the Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha.