Seeks Redressal from Directorate of Estates
Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra has withdrawn her plea from the Delhi High Court, which challenged the cancellation of her government accommodation following her expulsion from the Lok Sabha. This decision was made in the wake of allegations related to the ‘cash-for-query’ case.
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Moitra’s counsel informed Justice Subramonium Prasad of her intention to approach the Union Government’s Directorate of Estates.
“The TMC leader will approach the Union Government’s Directorate of Estates for considering her case in accordance with the relevant Rules and to permit her to continue occupation of the government accommodation,”
her counsel stated.
In response, the court directed the Union Government to take steps to evict Moitra from the government accommodation “only in accordance with law.” Furthermore, Justice Prasad clarified that the court had not made any observations on the merits of the case, stating,
“It will be open to the Directorate of Estates to apply its own mind on the facts and circumstances of the case.”
Moitra had been asked to vacate her government accommodation by January 7, 2024, following her expulsion from parliament on December 8, 2023. She challenged this order, arguing that her expulsion’s legality was still pending before the Supreme Court of India.
“The legality of her expulsion as a Member of Parliament (MP) is presently pending adjudication before the Supreme Court of India and therefore, the Directorate of Estates’ notice/letter was illegal,”
Moitra contended.
In her plea, Moitra also sought permission to retain possession of her government accommodation until the results of the 2024 General Elections were declared. She argued that her eviction would adversely affect her ability to perform necessary activities in the lead-up to the elections.
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“Instability in accommodation, however, would pose a significant impediment to the Petitioner’s ability to host and engage with party members, parliamentarians, fellow politicians, visiting constituents, key stakeholders, and other dignitaries, which is essential, especially in the lead up to a general election,”
the plea stated.
Highlighting her personal circumstances, Moitra pointed out that she is a woman living alone in the national capital without alternative accommodation.
“If evicted from her government accommodation, Moitra will have to fulfil the duties of campaigning while also finding, and then shifting to, a new residence all by herself which will place an onerous burden on her,”
the plea added.
The background of Moitra’s expulsion involves the Ethics panel’s determination of her involvement in the ‘cash-for-query’ case. She was accused of receiving cash in exchange for posing questions on behalf of businessman Darshan Hiranandani. Moitra admitted to sharing her Parliament login and password details with Hiranandani in an interview with The Indian Express but refuted the claim of receiving any cash from him. She has also filed a defamation case against Dehadrai and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey in connection with this dispute.
This development in Moitra’s case underscores the challenges faced by public figures in balancing their legal battles with their official responsibilities and personal circumstances. Her decision to withdraw the plea and seek a resolution through the Directorate of Estates reflects the ongoing complexities in the intersection of politics, law, and personal life.
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