Rajya Sabha ethics panel seeks views on curbing attacks and misuse of privilege

India’s Rajya Sabha Ethics Committee has begun consultations on revising the Upper House’s code of conduct, including possible restrictions on statements that undermine constitutional authorities or damage the reputation of fellow members and public figures. The committee has circulated a questionnaire to political parties and other stakeholders. It is considering whether the code should explicitly state that MPs must not misuse the protection given to them for free speech in parliamentary proceedings.

The panel has asked what corrective or disciplinary action would be appropriate when parliamentary privilege is allegedly used in that way. It has also sought suggestions on how members can show greater restraint when discussing sensitive issues, including national heroes, historical figures and contested interpretations of history. The committee expressed concern about what it described as a growing trend of disorderly proceedings and disregard for parliamentary conventions.

It plans to consult political parties, State legislatures and international parliamentary bodies while reviewing the code. The questionnaire also asks whether stricter provisions are needed to address unparliamentary or offensive language during proceedings. Parties have been invited to explain how MPs can be encouraged to meet ethical and behavioural standards both inside and outside the House, including on public and digital platforms.

The review follows a direction issued in March 2025 by then Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. He asked the Ethics Committee to examine the 1998 SB Chavan Committee report on ethics and develop updated guidelines in light of technological change and the growth of social media. The current committee is chaired by BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari.

It discussed the future of the review at meetings on January 20, April 28 and July 10 before circulating the questionnaire. The committee’s consultation comes as opposition parties, including Congress, have raised issues concerning the Election Commission and its commissioners in Parliament, while the government has maintained that MPs cannot discuss the commission in the House.