Mahua Moitra Moves SC Over Expulsion From Lok Sabha: All Details Here

Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra has moved the Supreme Court against her expulsion from the Lok Sabha over the cash-for-query allegations. These allegations were brought to the forefront with the Ethics Committee presenting a report recommending her expulsion, marking the culmination of her five-year journey as a member of the lower house and leaving a trail of heated debates and unanswered questions.

The charges against Moitra are grave, involving the sharing of her login credentials and password with an unauthorised individual. The draft report, adopted by a 6:4 majority, reveals troubling details, including Moitra's multiple visits to the UAE and unauthorised logins from Dubai, totalling 47 instances. The ramifications, as asserted by the government, extend to national security concerns, branding Moitra's actions as unethical conduct and contempt of the House.

Mahua Moitra's Response

The outspoken leader did not take the decision lying down, issuing a bold challenge to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and vowing to continue the fight for the next 30 years, both inside and outside the parliament.

Undeterred by her expulsion, Moitra declared, "I am 49 years old, and I will fight you for the next 30 years, inside parliament, outside parliament, in the gutter on the street."

Mahua Moitra wasted no time in responding to her removal, accusing the BJP of not only orchestrating her expulsion but also expressing her concerns about national security.

"National security with a login portal. Mr. Adani is buying all our ports, all our airports... His shareholders are foreign investors, and the Ministry of Home Affairs is giving them clearance to buy all our infrastructure," Moitra declared in her initial reaction post-expulsion.

When Moitra reached Parliament ahead of the tabling of the Ethics Panel report, anticipating the tabling of the report, she invoked symbolic imagery, stating, "Maa Durga has arrived...They have started ‘vastraharan’ and now you will watch ‘Mahabharat ka rann’."

The Cash-for-Question Allegation

The core of the controversy revolves around the accusation that Moitra accepted cash and gifts from industrialist Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for misusing her parliamentary login. The alleged questions targeted Gautam Adani and the Adani Group. The complaint originated from advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai and was forwarded by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey to the Lok Sabha Speaker. The subsequent investigation by the ethics committee led to Moitra's expulsion.

Bribery Accusations

The controversy enveloping Moitra escalated when BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused her of accepting bribes from businessman Darshan  Hiranandani in exchange for posing questions in Parliament. Dubey's allegations prompted the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, to refer the matter to the Ethics Committee for investigation.

The Ethics Committee's Findings

A 6-4 majority decision by the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee found Moitra guilty of compromising national security by sharing her login credentials. The committee's report also delves into the alleged financial transactions between Moitra and Hiranandani, accusing her of accepting a combination of cash, kind, amenities, and other facilities. Shockingly, it is asserted that a significant portion of Moitra's parliamentary questions were aimed at protecting or promoting Hiranandani's business interests.

Denial of Charges

Moitra vehemently denies the bribery charges, dismissing them as baseless and characterizing them as lies orchestrated by a "jilted ex," referring to Supreme Court lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai. She maintains her innocence, challenging the credibility of the evidence presented against her.

Moitra raises serious concerns about the fairness of the Ethics Committee's proceedings, alleging that the conclusions were predetermined in a "fixed match." She accuses the committee of subjecting her to humiliating questions and questions the chairman's impartiality, asserting that a pre-written script containing "disgusting, invasive, private details" unrelated to the proceedings was read out.

The Debate and Expulsion

The expulsion followed a heated debate on the cash-for-question allegations. Despite the Trinamool's request, Moitra was denied the opportunity to address the Lok Sabha during the debate. The subsequent voting favoured Moitra's expulsion, leading to her removal from the lower house. In a statement outside the Lok Sabha, Moitra condemned the proceedings, labelling them a "kangaroo court" and emphasising the absence of concrete evidence supporting the allegations. According to Moitra, the recommendation was primarily based on the accusation of sharing her login, a claim she vehemently denied, highlighting the absence of any rule prohibiting such an action.

The Lengthy Report Sparks Demands for Time

The Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, raised concerns about the length of the 104-page report, urging Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to grant MPs 3 to 4 days to thoroughly examine its contents before engaging in a discussion. Emphasizing the importance of allowing time for a comprehensive review, Congress MP Manish Tewari questioned whether the procedures of the ethics committee should take precedence over the fundamental principles of natural justice.

TMC's Appeal and BJP's Global Image Concerns

TMC MPs, including Kalyan Banerjee and Sudip Bandyopadhyay, pleaded for fairness in the proceedings. Banerjee highlighted Mahua Moitra's right to cross-examine, stating that the denial of this right violated the principles of natural justice implicit in Article 14 of the Constitution. Bandyopadhyay earnestly requested the Lok Sabha Speaker to allow Moitra to speak before any voting takes place, underscoring its significance.

On the other hand, BJP MP Heena V Gavit expressed concerns about the negative global perception of Indian MPs due to the actions of one individual. Stressing the importance of adhering to parliamentary procedures, Gavit urged careful consideration of the consequences for India's image.

Criticisms and Allegations

As the Ethics Committee's report was tabled, CPI MP Binoy Viswam denounced it as a "politically motivated vendetta" against a vocal government critic. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor strongly criticised the process, citing its 'inadequacy' and lack of proper procedure. Tharoor raised questions about the speed at which the report was adopted and the absence of attempts to cross-examine those making accusations.

Trinamool Congress MP Nusrat Jahan has voiced her support for fellow party parliamentarian Mahua Moitra, stating, "Has it actually been fairly conducted? We don't know. Because this government hasn't been really fair when it comes to women." She highlighted the lack of transparency and urged for a hard copy of the report, emphasising the need for a thorough examination before drawing any conclusions.