TMC’s Mahua Moitra Approaches SC Challenging Expulsion from Lok Sabha

New Delhi: TMC leader Mahua Moitra approached the Supreme Court on Monday challenging her expulsion from the Lok Sabha in the ‘cash for query’ corruption case.

Moitra was expelled from Lok Sabha following a Ethics Committee recommendation that stated,”allegations of accepting illegal gratification (are) clearly established and are undeniable”, and that “taking gifts from (a) businessman to whom she handed over log-in (details) amounts to a quid pro quo…”

Moitra was accused of taking bribes, including Rs 2 crore in cash and “luxury gift items”, from businessman Darshan Hiranandani for asking questions critical of the government in Parliament. She was also accused of giving away log-in password to a confidential account on the parliamentary website, enabling Hiranandani to post those questions directly.

Moitra denied the bribery charges but admitted to sharing the log-in password with the plea that it is common practice among MPs.