The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee is gearing up to formulate a code of conduct for the Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Lok Sabha. This move has been necessitated due to recent events that have underscored the importance of maintaining a certain level of decorum both inside and outside the House. The advent of new communication technologies has also expedited this need because any remarks made on the floor of the House can now spread quickly, regardless of whether they are subsequently expunged from the record.
Code of Conduct: Historical Perspective
In 1964, a code of conduct was set for Union ministers and it was recommended that state governments also implement it. The initial step towards formulating a code of conduct for MPs came with the constitution of Parliamentary Standing Committees on Ethics in both Houses. The Rajya Sabha Ethics Committee was inaugurated in 1997 primarily to supervise the ethical behaviour of its members. Meanwhile, the first Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha came into being in 2000.
Rajya Sabha’s Code of Conduct
The Rajya Sabha has implemented a 14-point Code of Conduct since 2005, ensuring that private interests are subservient to the duty of public office and public interest isn’t compromised. The code maintains that members should not expect or accept any fee, remuneration or benefit for their actions on the floor of the House. It mandates that members should conduct themselves in a way that does not smear the credibility and repute of the Parliament.
Lok Sabha’s Code of Conduct
The Ethics Committee is established for each newly elected Lok Sabha and it was in August 2015 that it was assigned the task of framing a code of conduct for Lok Sabha members. The Committee examines complaints related to a member’s unethical behaviour, as referred by the Speaker, and makes necessary recommendations.
Code of Conduct: An International Perspective
| Country | Year Established | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 1995 | The code was brought into effect following a House Resolution on July 19, 1995. |
| Canada | N/A | The House of Commons has a Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner for monitoring potential violations. |
| Germany | 1972 | The Bundestag has had a functioning Code of Conduct since 1972. |
| United States | 1968 | A code of conduct for members has been in place since 1968. |
| Pakistan | N/A | The Senate also operates under a Code of Conduct. |
Conclusion
The Lok Sabha’s decision to formulate a code of conduct for its members emerges from the necessity to ensure decorum and integrity in the House. The move is also in line with international practices where similar codes exist to uphold the dignity and credibility of their respective parliamentary institutions.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024