Parliamentary Committees for CLAT - Practice Questions & MCQ

1. Types of Parliamentary Committees:

• Standing Committees:
  • These committees are permanent and exist throughout the year.
  • They focus on specific areas or sectors such as finance, home affairs, defense, and external affairs.
  • Examples include the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which examines government expenditure and financial irregularities, and the Committee on Petitions, which looks into public grievances.
  • Standing Committees play a vital role in ensuring that government policies and actions are thoroughly examined and scrutinized.
• Ad Hoc Committees:
  • Ad Hoc Committees are temporary and are formed for a specific purpose or task.
  • Once their task is completed, they are disbanded.
  • An example is the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which is formed to investigate a particular issue or bill, such as the JPC on the 2G spectrum allocation.

2. Functions of Parliamentary Committees:

• Examination of Bills:
  • Committees review bills in detail before they are presented for discussion and voting in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
  • They examine the bill's provisions, suggest amendments, and ensure that it is in the best interest of the country.
  • This scrutiny helps improve the quality of legislation.
• Scrutiny of Government Actions:
  • Committees oversee the functioning of various government departments and ministries.
  • They examine policies, budgetary allocations, and the implementation of government programs.
  • This scrutiny ensures that government actions are aligned with the needs and interests of the people.

Investigations:

• Committees can conduct investigations into specific issues or allegations, such as corruption cases or matters of public interest.
• They have the authority to summon witnesses, gather evidence, and question individuals involved.
• These investigations provide a platform for transparency and accountability.

Report Preparation:

• After examining a matter, committees prepare detailed reports containing their findings, observations, and recommendations.
• These reports are presented in Parliament for further discussion and action.
• The recommendations made by committees often influence government policies and actions.

3. Significance and Examples:

• Public Accounts Committee (PAC):
  • PAC is one of the most significant standing committees.
  • It examines government expenditure and ensures that public funds are used efficiently and in compliance with laws and regulations.
  • PAC plays a critical role in financial accountability and the prudent use of taxpayers' money.
• Committee on Information Technology (IT Committee):
  • This committee focuses on issues related to information technology, electronics, and communications.
  • It examines the functioning of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the impact of technology on governance.
  • In the digital age, this committee plays a crucial role in shaping policies related to technology and digital infrastructure.

4. Case Law Example: Bofors Scandal Investigation (1987)

• Background:
  • In 1986, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, signed a deal with the Swedish arms manufacturer Bofors to purchase 410 howitzer field guns for the Indian Army.
  • The deal was worth around 1.4 billion USD and was seen as crucial for India's defense capabilities.
• Allegations:
  • In 1987, reports emerged that suggested the Bofors deal had been tainted by kickbacks and illegal commissions.
  • It was alleged that intermediaries and agents acting on behalf of Bofors had paid bribes to certain Indian officials and politicians to secure the contract.
• Investigation and Legal Proceedings:
  • The scandal led to investigations by Indian authorities and the media.
  • In 1990, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed charges against several individuals, including Ottavio Quattrocchi, an Italian businessman who was alleged to be a middleman in the deal.
  • The case went through various legal twists and turns, including attempts to extradite Quattrocchi from abroad.
  • Over the years, several individuals were accused and acquitted in connection with the scandal, while others faced legal action.
  • The case remained a contentious and politically charged issue in India for many years.
• Outcome:
  • Despite the widespread attention and political ramifications, the Bofors scandal did not result in any significant convictions or clear-cut conclusions.
  • The case remained a topic of debate and political discourse for years, and it had implications for Indian politics, including the electoral defeat of the Congress party in the 1989 elections.