Trinamool Congress Leader Mahua Moitra has been expelled from the Lok Sabha following an Ethics Committee report into the ‘cash for query’ charges against her. The Lokpal order that probes investigation against Ms Moitra reads “Accordingly, we direct the CBI, under Section 20(3)(a) to investigate all aspects of the allegations made in the complaint, and submit a copy of the Investigation Report within a period of six months from the date of receipt of this order. The CBI shall also file periodical reports regarding the status of the investigation, every month,”
Ms Moitra, 49, was accused of taking bribes, including ₹ 2 crores in cash and “luxury gift items”, from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for asking questions critical of the government in Parliament.
Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court refused to grant temporary relief to the TMC leader regarding the cash for query case.
Moitra had sought court intervention to prevent BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and lawyer Jai Anand Dehradai from making remarks about her concerning the aforementioned case. On December 20, 2023, the HC had postponed its decision on the interim request following arguments from Moitra’s counsel, Dubey, and Dehadrai.
According to the latest report, Ms Moitra is accused of surrendering login credentials to her personal and confidential account on the parliamentary website, so Mr Hiranandani could post questions directly. A fiery critic of the Modi government, Ms Moitra had denied the bribery charges but admitted to sharing the login details.
These alleged bribes were purportedly given in exchange for asking questions critical of the government in Parliament. The Ethics Committee’s report also highlighted Ms Moitra’s alleged act of surrendering her login credentials to her personal and confidential account on the parliamentary website, allowing Mr Hiranandani to post questions directly.
Dubey alleged that Moitra posed inquiries in the Lok Sabha with the intention of aiming at the Adani group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, allegedly under the influence of businessman Darshan Hiranandani, in exchange for gifts.
Despite vehemently denying the bribery charges, Ms. Moitra did admit to sharing the login details. Her expulsion from the Lok Sabha underscores the severity of the allegations and the ethical standards expected from public servants, especially those holding significant positions in government bodies.
The Lokpal, India’s anti-corruption ombudsman, has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a further probe into Mahua Moitra’s allegations. The Lokpal’s order emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the need for a comprehensive investigation to establish the truth.
Following the Lokpal’s directive, the CBI conducted a preliminary inquiry and submitted a report of about 1,500 pages. The inquiry found prima facie substantiation of the allegations, including the sharing of login credentials with Mr Hiranandani, who allegedly posted questions in Ms Moitra’s name while she was traveling abroad.
Additionally, the allegations include receiving luxury items, travel expenses, and holidays from Mr. Hiranandani and a demand for his support in renovating her official bungalow in New Delhi. The Lokpal’s order noted that these charges were also substantiated as per the CBI report.
The expulsion of Mahua Moitra from the Lok Sabha marks a significant step in upholding transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service. The CBI’s ongoing investigation, as directed by the Lokpal, aims to uncover further details and clarify the allegations, ensuring justice and adherence to ethical standards in India’s parliamentary system.
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