Mahua Moitra challenges Lok Sabha expulsion in Supreme Court

Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra has taken legal action against her expulsion from the Lok Sabha following allegations of accepting cash-for-query. Moitra, ousted last week, filed a plea with the Supreme Court, contending that the Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha lacked the authority to expel her.

In response to the accusations, Moitra asserted that there was no evidence supporting the claim that she accepted cash from businessman Darshan Hiranandani, a charge brought forth by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and her ex-partner Jai Anant Dehadrai. She further criticized the committee for denying her the opportunity to cross-examine Hiranandani and Dehadrai.

Categorizing her expulsion as a consequence of a 'kangaroo court,' Moitra accused the government of wielding the Ethics Committee as a tool to suppress opposition voices. She emphasized the committee's alleged lack of rightful jurisdiction to enforce such severe penalties.

The Ethics Committee had recommended Moitra's expulsion in November, shortly after a contentious meeting during which she accused the committee's chief of posing inappropriate questions. The panel's report was presented in the Lok Sabha on December 8, leading to Moitra's removal.

After her expulsion, Moitra vowed to continue her fight against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, declaring, "I am 49 years old, I will fight you for the next 30 years, inside parliament, outside parliament, in the gutter, on the street."