Joint Parliamentary Committee

Why in News?

Recently, the government constituted a joint committee of Parliament on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill 2026.

Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)

• JPC – It is a temporary (ad-hoc) committee of Parliament set up to investigate a specific issue or scandal.
• It is formed by a motion passed in one House (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) and agreed to by the other House.
• Purpose – To examine a particular matter of public importance (e.g., stock market scam, pesticide residues, Bofors deal, 2G spectrum).
• Nature – “Ad-hoc” exists only for the duration needed to complete its inquiry and submit a report.
• Membership – Includes MPs from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in a ratio fixed by the motion (e.g., 20 LS + 10 RS for the 2001 stock market scam JPC; 10 LS + 5 RS for the 2003 pesticides JPC).
• Terms of Reference – Defined in the motion; can include:
  • Investigating financial irregularities
  • Fixing responsibility on persons/institutions
  • Identifying regulatory loopholes
  • Making recommendations for reform
• Powers – Can call for documents, summon officials, and record testimonies. Members can submit dissent notes if they disagree with the majority view.
• Outcome – Submits a report to Parliament; recommendations are persuasive, not binding on the government.
• Follow-up – Government must submit an Action Taken Report (ATR); Parliament can discuss it and question the government.

References                                       

1. News on Air | JPC
2. PRS | JPC