Question

Which of the following are not privileges enjoyed by members of Parliament individually?
I. Freedom from being arrested in civil cases during and 40 days before and after the continuance of a meeting of the House of Committee of which he is a member.
II. Freedom from being summoned without the leave of the House, to give evidence as a witness while Parliament is in session.
III. Unlimited freedom of speech providing immunity from court action for anything said in the House.
IV. Freedom to publish debates and proceedings of the House.

• A. I and III
• B. II and IV
• C. III and IV
• D. II, III and IV

Answer 1

The correct option is C III and IV

Option C is the correct answer. Members of Parliament enjoy the following privileges:

a) Freedom of Speech: No member can be taken to task anywhere outside the four walls of the House (e.g. court of law) or cannot be discriminated against for expressing his/her views in the House and its Committees.

b) Freedom from Arrest: It is understood that no member shall be arrested in a civil case 40 days before and after the adjournment of the House (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) and also when the House is in session. It also means that no member can be arrested within the precincts of the Parliament without the permission of the House to which he/she belongs.

c) Exemption from attendance as witnesses: The members of Parliament also enjoy freedom from attendance as witnesses.