In a significant development, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Lok Sabha leader of the Congress party, has penned a letter to Speaker Om Birla, expressing concerns over the Ethics Committee’s handling of proceedings against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in a “cash-for-query” case.
Key Points:
- Demand for Review: Chowdhury, in his four-page letter, urged Speaker Om Birla to reevaluate the ongoing Ethics Committee proceedings against Mahua Moitra. He emphasized the need to thoroughly review and possibly redefine the rules and processes governing the functioning of parliamentary committees.
- Lack of Demarcation: The letter highlighted the absence of a clear demarcation between the roles of the Privileges Committee and the Ethics Committee, especially concerning the exercise of penal powers. Chowdhury called for clarity in delineating their respective responsibilities.
- Undefined “Unethical Conduct”: Another key concern raised by Chowdhury was the absence of a clear definition for “unethical conduct” and a yet-to-be-formulated “code of conduct,” as envisioned under Rule 316B of the Rules of Procedure.
- Need for Streamlined Processes: Chowdhury asserted that issues related to committee procedures, which significantly impact the polity, demand deeper attention. He called for a streamlined process under the guidance of the Speaker to address these concerns.
- Personal Capacity: Clarifying that his views were expressed in a personal capacity, Chowdhury, also the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, emphasized the importance of addressing these procedural and conceptual challenges.
- Upcoming Report on Mahua Moitra: The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee’s report recommending the expulsion of Mahua Moitra in the “cash-for-query” case is slated to be tabled in the lower house on Monday. The committee had adopted its report during a meeting on November 9.
- Agenda for Monday: As per the agenda papers circulated by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Ethics Committee Chairperson Vinod Kumar Sonkar will present the panel’s first report during Monday’s session.
This development adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing parliamentary proceedings involving Mahua Moitra and underscores the need for a comprehensive review of the ethical and procedural frameworks guiding such investigations. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
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