THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Dec 2: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Lok Sabha leader of the Opposition, penned a letter to Speaker Om Birla on Saturday regarding the Ethics Committee’s inquiry into Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in a “cash-for-query” case. Chowdhury called for a reassessment and proper review of the regulations and procedures governing the operation of parliamentary committees.
Chowdhury flags issues of Committee roles and ethical conduct rules
Chowdhury, in a letter spanning four pages addressed to the speaker, highlighted the lack of a distinct separation of roles outlined for the Privileges Committee and the Ethics Committee, especially concerning the exercise of penal powers.
Moreover, he pointed out the absence of a precise definition for “unethical conduct,” and highlighted that a “code of conduct,” as envisioned in Rule 316B of the Rules of Procedure, is yet to be formulated.
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In the letter, Chowdhury emphasized that these issues, encompassing the committee’s procedures that hold substantial sway over the political landscape, might necessitate thorough examination and the streamlining of processes under the speaker’s guidance.
Chowdhury, who also serves as the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, clarified that the opinions he conveyed are expressed in his individual capacity.
Ethics Committee’s report to be tabled on Dec 4
On Monday, December 4, the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee’s report which recommends the expulsion of Moitra in the “cash-for-query” case will be formally presented in the lower house.
Vinod Kumar Sonkar, the chairperson of the Ethics Committee, is scheduled to present the first report of the panel to the House, as per the agenda documents circulated by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
On November 9th, the committee, during a meeting, finalized its report, recommending the expulsion of Moitra from the Lok Sabha in light of the “cash-for-query” accusation.
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