Congress MP requests review of Ethics Committee’s proceedings in Cash-for-query case

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday, requesting a thorough review of parliamentary committee procedures primarily concerned with the rights of members of the House, in light of the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee’s recommendation that Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra be expelled in relation to a “cash-for-query” case.

The letter expresses concerns regarding the transparency and scrutiny of the proceedings conducted by the Ethics Committee in relation to the cash-for-query controversy involving TMC MP Mahua Moitra

The Ethics Committee, responsible for investigating the ‘cash-for-query’ allegations against Moitra, is scheduled to present its findings in the lower house on 4 December. The committee, during a meeting held on 9 November, approved its report, which recommends the expulsion of Moitra from the Lok Sabha in connection with the “cash-for-query” accusation.

In a four-page letter addressed to the Speaker, Chowdhury highlighted that there is a lack of clear demarcation in the roles outlined for the Privileges Committee and the Ethics Committee, especially concerning the exercise of penal powers. This suggests a perceived ambiguity or overlap in the functions and powers of these committees, prompting a call for a closer examination and clarification of their respective roles in such matters.