Which of the following statements about the Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha are correct? 1. Initially it was an ad-hoc Committee. 2. Only a Member of the Lok Sabha can make a complaint relating to unethical conduct of a member of the Lok Sabha. 3. This Committee cannot take up any matter which is sub-judice. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1. A. (a) 1 and 2 only
2. B. (b) 2 and 3 only
3. C. (c) 1 and 3 only
4. D. (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation

This question tests knowledge about the Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha, a body responsible for maintaining ethical conduct among members. Statement 1 is correct: The Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha was initially constituted as an ad-hoc committee in 2000 and later became a permanent part of the House in 2015. Statement 2 is incorrect: Any person can complain against a Member of Parliament through another Lok Sabha MP, provided it’s accompanied by evidence and an affidavit. The Speaker can also refer complaints, meaning it’s not exclusively limited to Lok Sabha members making complaints. Statement 3 is correct: The Committee does not entertain complaints based solely on media reports or on matters that are sub-judice (under judicial consideration). It conducts a prima facie inquiry before proceeding. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct. The Ethics Committee often comes into news due to high-profile cases of alleged misconduct, making it a relevant current affairs topic with a static polity base for UPSC.