"Judiciary Is No Longer Sacred": Mahua Moitra Over Sexual Harassment Allegations On Ex-CJI

Mahua Moitra: The member of Parliament Mahua Moitra made fiery remarks on the former Chief Justice of India in the Parliament on Monday.

In her 20 minute speech, Moitra attacked the central government on several matters. What really caused chaos in the house was her comment on the ex-CJI whom she did not name. Mahua Moitra said, "The sacred cow that was the judiciary is no longer sacred."

She claimed that it stopped being sacred when the acting chief justice of India was accused of sexual harassment. She added that the said CJI "presided over his own trial, cleared himself and then preceded to accept a nomination to the Upper House of Parliament within three months of his retirement replete with Z plus security." 

Her statement was expunged from the recordings of the Lok Sabha proceedings, according to reports. Mahua Moitra started her speech after the Motion of Thanks to the President's address on Monday. She criticised the Narendra Modi's government over their handling of farmers protest and accused the centre of spreading "hate, pettiness and bigotry". She also called the BJP government "truly fascist". 

Further, she said that media and democracy being the other pillars of democracy have also failed India.  

Last year in April, a junior court assistant at the Supreme Court alleged the then CJI Ranjan Gogoi of sexual harassment. Read about the case here. 
The remarks made by Mahua Moitra were opposed by the house members as they claimed it violated the parliamentary rules.

It was claimed by the Treasury members that it is against the rules to discuss persons of high authority without prior notice and approval. However, Moitra's party member said that she did not name the CJI and since he is retired, he cannot come under persons of high authority. 

The government is reportedly mulling over to move a breach of privilege motion against MP Moitra because of her speech. According to Article 121 of the Constitution of India, discharged judges of Supreme Court or High Court are allowed to be discussed in the parliament. While Rules and Procedures 352 (5) of Parliament says that conduct of people in constitutional positions cannot be questioned. 

Mohua Moitra also said that the controversial farm laws were arrived at without the consensus of the house and that they were tabled without scrutiny and "rammed down this nation's throat with brute force of the treasury benched. She said, " They have firmly established this government's motto of brutality over morality."