Conflict in Joint Parliamentary Committee of Waqf Bill

Opposition MPs on the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill have written to the Lok Sabha Speaker, alleging a 'gross violation of parliamentary code of conduct' by the Committee's Chairperson during a recent meeting.

About Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)

A JPC is set up by the Parliament for a special purpose, mainly for the detailed scrutiny of a subject or Bill.
It consists of members from both the Houses and from both the ruling parties and the opposition.
The composition of the JPC is decided by Parliament also there is no fixed number of members in the committee.
It is dissolved after its term ends or its task has been completed.
The recommendations made by the committee are recommendatory in nature and not binding on the government.

Powers of the Committee

A JPC has the authority to gather evidence from experts, public bodies, associations, individuals or interested parties suo-motu or on requests made by them.
If a witness fails to appear before a JPC in response to a summons, his conduct constitutes contempt of the House.
Ministers are not generally called by the committee to give evidence.
- However, with the permission of the Speaker, the JPC can seek information on certain points from ministers or call them.

Facts

Important cases for which JPC was formed: