Committee on Petitions: Overview

The Committee on Petitions is a Standing Committee of the Rajya Sabha, constituted under Rule 147 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Rajya Sabha. It serves as a vital link between citizens and Parliament, providing a formal channel for raising grievances.

Historical Background

  • Origin: First created through a Council of State resolution moved on 15th September 1921 to establish a Committee on Public Petitions with power to take evidence
  • Name Change: Received its present name "Committee on Petitions" in 1933
  • Constitution: First formally constituted in 1952 with a Chairman and four other members
  • Expansion: Membership increased to ten members in 1964 and has remained unchanged since

Composition and Appointment

  • Members are nominated by the Chairman of Rajya Sabha
  • The Chairman of Rajya Sabha also appoints the Committee Chairman
  • Quorum: Five members required for conducting meetings
  • Reconstitution: Committee is usually reconstituted annually
  • Currently consists of Chairman + 10 members

Functions of the Committee

  1. Examines petitions referred to it by the House
  2. Reports to the House on specific complaints received
  3. Recommends individual remedies for specific grievances
  4. Suggests broader corrective measures to prevent recurrence of issues

Powers of the Committee

  • Take evidence on petition matters
  • Call for papers and documents
  • Seek comments from Ministries or Departments concerned
  • Examine witnesses
  • Hear petitioners directly
  • Suggest remedial measures to address grievances

Petition Format and Procedure

Requirements for Filing a Petition:

  • Must be submitted in prescribed form
  • Addressed to the Rajya Sabha
  • Written in respectful and temperate language
  • Contains a concise statement of grievance
  • Includes a clear prayer (relief sought)
  • Signed or thumb-impressed by the petitioner

Procedure:

  1. Member gives advance notice to Secretary-General
  2. Secretariat checks admissibility
  3. Chairman admits the petition
  4. Presented after papers are laid on the Table
  5. Presented without debate
  6. Referred to the Committee for examination

Scope Expansion (Since 1964):

Petitions may now be presented not only on:

  • Bills
  • Pending business

But also on matters of general public interest, subject to certain limitations

Significance for Governance

The Committee on Petitions represents Parliament's commitment to citizen-centric governance by:

  • Providing a direct avenue for citizens to approach Parliament
  • Enabling executive accountability through parliamentary oversight
  • Facilitating systemic improvements based on recurring grievances
  • Serving as a safety valve for public discontent

Related Parliamentary Committees

  • Works alongside other parliamentary committees for comprehensive oversight
  • Part of the broader parliamentary committee system aimed at strengthening democratic governance
  • Complements financial committees (Public Accounts Committee, Estimates Committee) in oversight functions