Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)

• JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee) is a temporary/ad hoc committee constituted by Parliament for examining a specific issue, Bill or matter.
• It consists of members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
• Composition: The strength and composition of a JPC are decided by Parliament through the motion/resolution constituting it.
• Chairperson: Generally, the Chairperson is appointed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha.
• Purpose: It conducts detailed examination, collects evidence, hears stakeholders and submits a report to Parliament.
• Powers: A JPC can summon persons, call for documents and examine evidence, subject to the terms of its constitution and parliamentary rules.
• Report: Its recommendations are not legally binding on the government.
• Dissolution: Being an ad hoc committee, it ceases to exist after completing its assigned task and submitting its report.
• Difference from PAC: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is a standing financial committee, whereas a JPC is constituted for a specific purpose.
• Difference from Select Committee: A Select Committee generally consists of members from one House, whereas a JPC includes members from both Houses.
• Constitutional basis: JPCs are not directly created by a specific Article of the Constitution; they function under the parliamentary rules and procedures.
• Important: A JPC is a parliamentary investigative mechanism, not a judicial body.

Prelims Questions

With reference to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), consider the following statements:

1. It is a permanent committee of Parliament.
2. It can consist of members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
3. Its recommendations are legally binding on the government.
4. It is generally constituted to examine a specific matter.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 2 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer: (a) 2 and 4 only

• Statement 1 — Incorrect: JPC is an ad hoc/temporary committee, not a permanent committee.
• Statement 2 — Correct: It can include members from both Houses of Parliament.
• Statement 3 — Incorrect: Its recommendations are not legally binding on the government.
• Statement 4 — Correct: It is constituted to examine a specific issue or matter.