File photo of Meenakshi Lekhi.
BJP leader and New Delhi MP Meenakshi Lekhi has been appointed as the chairperson of the Committee of Privileges of the Lok Sabha. She replaces SS Ahluwalia, who resigned on July 18 on his appointment as a minister.
"The Speaker has appointed Meenakshi Lekhi as Chairperson of Committee of Privileges vice SS Ahluwalia who resigned from the Committee," a Lok Sabha bulletin said.
Mr Ahluwalia has also resigned as the Chairperson and member of the Joint Committee on the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 on his appointment as Minister.
He has been replaced with BJP Lok Sabha member Ganesh Singh.
The Privileges Committee, which consists of 15 members nominated by the Speaker, examines every question involving breach of privilege of the House or of the members of any Committee thereof referred to it by the House or by the Speaker.
It determines with reference to the facts of each case whether a breach of privilege is involved and makes suitable recommendations in its report.
It also states the procedure to be followed by the House in giving effect to the recommendations made by it.
The Speaker may refer to the Committee any petition regarding disqualification of a member on ground of defection for making a preliminary inquiry and submitting a report to him.