Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha on Friday following the adoption of a report by the ethics committee. The committee found Moitra guilty of accepting gifts and illegal gratification from businessman Darshan Hiranandani, with the aim of advancing his interests. The report also cited Moitra's "unethical conduct" for sharing her Lok Sabha credentials with unauthorized individuals, posing a threat to national security.
The committee recommended Moitra's expulsion, describing her actions as "objectionable, unethical, heinous, and criminal." Former Lok Sabha secretary general PDT Achary mentioned that Moitra has the option to challenge the expulsion in the Supreme Court, although Article 122 of the Constitution generally provides immunity to parliamentary proceedings from legal challenges based on procedural irregularities.
India Today reported that Moitra could file an appeal in the Supreme Court or high court, invoking principles of natural justice and fair hearing. She may also challenge the jurisdiction and conduct of the ethics committee, alleging procedural irregularities or bias. Another option is to approach senior Parliament or government officials through her party or independently, raising concerns about bias or malfeasance in the committee's proceedings.
During the Lok Sabha session, Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi moved a motion to expel Moitra for "unethical conduct," which was approved by a voice vote. The opposition's request for Moitra to present her views in the House was denied by Speaker Om Birla, citing past precedents, including a 2005 case where members involved in a 'cash for questions' scam were not allowed to speak. The motion emphasized Moitra's "serious misdemeanour and highly deplorable conduct" for accepting gifts and illegal gratification from a businessman to further his interests.