Mahua Moitra, the Trinamool Congress MP recently ousted from the Lok Sabha over allegations of “unethical conduct,” has taken legal recourse against the directive to vacate her official government residence by January 7, 2024. Moitra approached the Delhi High Court on Monday, contesting the cancellation of her accommodation amidst the ongoing legal battle surrounding her expulsion.
The petition filed by Moitra, expected to be heard on Tuesday, challenges the Directorate of Estates’ order issued on December 11, which mandated her eviction following her expulsion from the Lok Sabha. The petition appeals for the annulment of the order or alternatively requests permission for Moitra to retain the residence until the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are declared.
Moitra’s expulsion from the Lok Sabha on December 8, 2023, stemmed from accusations of accepting gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani and allegedly sharing her user credentials for the Parliament website with him. Despite this expulsion, she has initiated legal action, challenging the decision in the Supreme Court. The case is scheduled for hearing on January 3, 2024.
In her plea to the high court, Moitra emphasized that the Directorate of Estates’ order, enforced subsequent to her expulsion, is premature given the pending adjudication of her expulsion by the Supreme Court. Her petition argued that the legality of her occupancy is under scrutiny by the highest constitutional court, which questions the jurisdiction of the Directorate of Estates to enforce eviction proceedings.
Highlighting her upcoming candidature from the Krishnanagar constituency in West Bengal for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Moitra stressed that her expulsion does not disqualify her from contesting elections. She expressed concerns regarding the disruption to her responsibilities to constituents and party engagements should she face instability in her accommodation.
Moitra, who currently resides alone in Delhi without alternative housing, outlined the challenges she would encounter if evicted, especially amidst the demands of a campaign period. She proposed the extension of her stay until the conclusion of the upcoming elections, pledging to cover any additional charges incurred during the extended period.
This legal move by Moitra comes amid a complex and contentious situation, underscoring the multifaceted legal and logistical challenges she faces concerning her expulsion, her accommodation status, and her impending electoral responsibilities. The upcoming legal proceedings are anticipated to shed light on the intricate interplay between legislative actions, legal directives, and electoral obligations in this unfolding saga.
Sources By Agencies
