Mahua Moitra challenges eviction order, appeals to court to retain official residence
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New Delhi: Recently expelled from the Lok Sabha, Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra has taken her legal battle to the Delhi High Court following the cancellation of her government accommodation and a directive to vacate the premises by January 7, 2024.
Moitra's petition, scheduled for Tuesday's hearing, contests the Directorate of Estates' order issued on December 11, aiming to set aside the ruling or, as an alternative, permit her to maintain occupancy until the declaration of the 2024 Lok Sabha election results.
The expulsion of Moitra from the Lok Sabha, determined on December 8, 2023, was rooted in allegations of "unethical conduct." This purportedly involved accepting gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani and sharing Parliament website login credentials with him.
While challenging her expulsion in the Supreme Court after the Lok Sabha ratified the ethics committee's report advocating her removal, the case is set for a hearing on January 3, 2024.
In her plea to the high court, Moitra contends that the Directorate of Estates' order, consequent to her Lok Sabha ouster, is premature due to the pending adjudication of her expulsion in the apex court.
"The impugned order is premature as the validity of the petitioner's expulsion is pending adjudication before the Supreme Court of India," stated Moitra's petition.
In light of her candidacy from the Krishnanagar constituency in West Bengal for both the 2019 and upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Moitra's plea highlights her eligibility for candidacy despite her expulsion not disqualifying her from participation.
The petition underscores Moitra's necessity for stable accommodation, especially given the impending election responsibilities. It emphasises the logistical challenge she would face in managing campaign duties while navigating an eviction and searching for new lodging.
Expressing reliance on her current residence for hosting political engagements and interactions, Moitra's plea seeks a continuation of her stay until the conclusion of the 2024 General Elections, affirming her willingness to fulfil any related charges during this extended period.