Lok Sabha Speaker Appoints 15 MPs to Privileges Committee, Ravi Shankar Prasad to Chair

The Lok Sabha Privileges Committee typically consists of 15 members. This number is generally fixed for the Lok Sabha committee. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha appoints these members, including the chairperson.

• •The Lok Sabha Privileges Committee has 15 members.
• •The Speaker of the Lok Sabha appoints the members and the chairperson.
• •The committee's mandate is to examine breaches of privilege.

A breach of privilege refers to any act that obstructs or impedes a Member of Parliament in the discharge of their parliamentary duties, or which directly or indirectly brings the authority of the House into disrepute. It's distinct from general misconduct because it specifically targets actions that undermine the special rights and immunities (parliamentary privileges) granted to MPs and the House to ensure its effective functioning. General misconduct might be a violation of rules of conduct but not necessarily an attack on the House's authority or an MP's ability to perform their duties.

UPSC typically focuses on both aspects. For Prelims, questions often revolve around the constitutional basis (Article 105 for Parliament, Article 194 for State Legislatures) and the source of these privileges (Constitution, laws, rules of the House, precedents). For Mains, the debate around codification is a significant topic. Aspirants should understand the arguments for and against codification, linking it to transparency, clarity, and potential impact on parliamentary functioning.

The appointment of the Privileges Committee is a routine but crucial step in maintaining parliamentary scrutiny. In an era where parliamentary proceedings and member conduct are frequently under public and media scanner, the committee's role becomes even more vital. It acts as a guardian of the House's dignity and ensures that members can discharge their duties without undue obstruction, thereby upholding accountability within the parliamentary framework. Its activation, especially after recent scrutiny on privilege issues, signals a continued emphasis on maintaining decorum and order.

While the Speaker, often from the ruling party, appoints the committee, its impartiality is sought through several mechanisms. The committee typically includes members from various political parties, reflecting the House's composition. Its proceedings are guided by established rules of procedure and precedents. Furthermore, the Speaker is expected to act impartially as the custodian of the House, and any recommendations by the committee are ultimately subject to the approval of the full House, providing a check on potential bias.

The Privileges Committee is crucial because it acts as a watchdog, protecting the special rights and immunities of Parliament and its members. These privileges are not for personal gain but are essential for MPs to perform their duties effectively, speak freely, and hold the executive accountable without fear or favor. By investigating breaches, the committee ensures that any act undermining the House's authority or obstructing members is addressed, thereby upholding the institution's dignity and ensuring that parliamentary proceedings run smoothly and effectively, which is fundamental to a functioning democracy.