Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra faced expulsion from the Lok Sabha on Friday following the adoption of the ethics committee’s report, which found her guilty of unethical conduct and contempt of the House. The report highlighted Moitra’s acceptance of gifts and illegal gratification from businessman Darshan Hiranandani, allegedly to promote his interests.
The committee report accused Moitra of sharing her Lok Sabha login credentials with unauthorized individuals, compromising national security. The panel recommended her expulsion, citing severe ethical, unethical, and criminal conduct, calling for a comprehensive government inquiry into her actions.
Former Lok Sabha secretary general PDT Achary suggested that Moitra could challenge her expulsion in the Supreme Court, despite constitutional provisions that shield parliamentary proceedings from court interference. However, legal experts indicated that judicial review might be possible in exceptional cases.
India Today reported Moitra’s potential avenues for appeal, including challenging the committee’s decision based on principles of natural justice and fair hearing. She could also contest the jurisdiction and conduct of the ethics committee, alleging irregularities in the proceedings.
During the House session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi moved a motion to expel Moitra for unethical conduct, which was approved by a voice vote. Despite opposition demands, Speaker Om Birla cited past precedents, barring Moitra from addressing the House, drawing comparisons to a similar case in 2005 involving members in a ‘cash for questions’ scandal.
The expulsion motion against Moitra underlines the seriousness of the allegations, prompting debates over her future course of action and potential legal challenges.
Sources By Agencies
