Committee of Privileges
Composition, Functions and Powers
The Committee of Privileges is a parliamentary committee constituted by the Speaker under Rule 222 of the Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure. It examines cases referred to it by the Speaker or the House relating to alleged breach of privilege of the House, its committees, or individual members. The Committee functions quasi-judicially: it can summon individuals, seek documents, record depositions, and conduct inquiries before submitting a report with recommendations (including punishments like reprimand, suspension, or expulsion). Unlike most other committees, its proceedings are not subject to ordinary legislative business scheduling — cases referred to it can be examined across sessions.
- Constituted under: Rule 222, Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure
- Composition: 15 members nominated by the Speaker; Chairperson appointed by Speaker
- Powers: Can summon witnesses, inspect documents, examine experts, take evidence
- Recommendations: Reprimand, admonishment, censure, suspension from service, or expulsion from the House
- Previous notable cases: Expulsion of MPs in 2005 for accepting money to raise questions (Cash for Query scandal)
- Referral mechanism: Speaker first examines whether a prima facie case exists; only then refers to Committee
- Rajya Sabha equivalent: Committee of Privileges exists in Rajya Sabha separately under its own Rules of Procedure
● Tracked since March 03, 2026 · last seen March 04, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes