PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE

• Overview: The Indian Parliament Privileges Committee is a specialized parliamentary committee responsible for safeguarding the privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament (MPs) in the legislative process.

•  Parliamentary Privileges: These are legal rights and immunities granted to MPs to ensure freedom of speech and action while performing their duties, protecting them from legal consequences within Parliament.

• Role: The committee examines cases of breached privileges, contempt of Parliament, and breaches of rules by individuals or entities, upholding the rights of MPs.

•  Formation: Constituted by the Speaker of Lok Sabha or the Chairman of Rajya Sabha based on Rules Committee recommendations.

• Functions: Investigates breaches, gathers evidence, hears witnesses, and recommends actions to the House.

• Punitive Actions: It can recommend punitive actions like admonition, reprimand, or suspension for breaches of  privileges.

• Maintaining Decorum: It ensures parliamentary decorum, freedom of expression, and upholds the dignity of the legislative  institution.

• Regulation: Operates according to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

• Significance: Critical for upholding the integrity of the parliamentary system, ensuring transparency, fairness, and independence from external influences.

• Parliamentary Accountability: By addressing breaches, it reinforces the accountability of MPs, promoting responsible and norm-abiding parliamentary duties.