In the context of Individual Privileges enjoyed by the Members of Parliament, consider the following statements:

1. They cannot be arrested in civil or criminal cases during the session of Parliament. 

2. MPs can refuse to appear as a witness in a court case when Parliament is in session. 

3. An MP cannot be held liable in any court for anything said by him in a Parliamentary committee.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

a) 1 and 2 only 

b) 2 only 

c) 2 and 3 only 

d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: 

• Parliamentary Privileges are special rights, immunities, and exemptions enjoyed by the two houses of Parliament, their committees, and their members. 
• Members of the Parliament cannot be arrested during the session of Parliament and 40 days before the beginning and 40 days after the end of a session. 
• This privilege is available only in civil cases and not in criminal cases or preventive detention cases. 
• Members of the Parliament are exempted from jury service. They can refuse to give evidence and appear as a witness in a case pending in a court when Parliament is in session. 
• Members of the Parliament have freedom of speech in Parliament. No member is liable to any proceedings in any court for anything said or any vote given by him in Parliament or its committees.  

Ans: (c)