Joint Parliamentary Committee

A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is an ad hoc committee containing members of both Houses of Parliament and constituted for a specific purpose, such as examining a Bill or investigating a matter. When examining a Bill, it provides detailed legislative scrutiny that is difficult on the floor of the Houses and reports its recommendations to Parliament.

Constitution and composition

Parliament regulates the procedure of its committees through rules made under Article 118. A Bill is referred to a Joint Committee through a motion adopted by one House and concurred in by the other.

• The committee includes members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha; its strength and membership are determined by the constituting motion and nominations by the presiding officers.
• Representation of the two Houses is normally in the ratio of 2:1, with a larger Lok Sabha component.
• The Speaker appoints the chairperson from among the members, while party representation generally reflects relative strength in Parliament.
• As an ad hoc committee, it ceases to exist after completing its assigned work and presenting its report.

Mandate when examining a Bill

The committee examines whether the Bill's provisions are clear, workable and consistent with its stated objectives. Its precise terms of reference and reporting deadline are fixed when it is constituted.

• It scrutinises the Bill clause by clause and may recommend amendments, additions or deletions.
• It may obtain documents and hear evidence from government officials, experts, organisations and other stakeholders, subject to parliamentary rules.
• Members may append minutes of dissent where permitted by the rules.

Report and parliamentary authority

The committee presents its report to both Houses. Its recommendations are advisory and not binding; Parliament may accept, modify or reject them while considering and passing the Bill.