The Delhi High Court’s dismissal of expelled Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra’s plea seeking to restrict BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai from posting defamatory content against her marks a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the cash for query scam case.
In its ruling, the bench of Justice Sachin Datta observed that Moitra’s injunction application was dismissed, indicating a setback for the former TMC MP in her legal battle against the allegations leveled against her.
The backdrop of the plea is Moitra’s challenge to her expulsion by the Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha in December 2023. She was expelled on allegations of accepting a bribe from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in exchange for asking questions in the Lok Sabha. The Ethics Committee cited Moitra’s sharing of her Lok Sabha login credentials with another individual as ‘Unethical Conduct’ and ‘Contempt of the House.’
The committee’s report called for a thorough investigation into the alleged cash transaction between Moitra and Hiranandani, terming it a ‘quid pro quo’ arrangement. It recommended an intense legal inquiry against Moitra by the central government.
Subsequently, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated a preliminary investigation into the accusations against Moitra. In response, Moitra provided her statements to the agency in February. The CBI is currently scrutinizing these responses and is expected to compile a report for submission to the anti-corruption ombudsman, Lokpal.
Moreover, the CBI has reportedly conducted interviews with Jai Anant Dehadrai and Darshan Hiranandani, indicating progress in the investigative process.
Moitra has vehemently denied the allegations against her and has taken legal action against Nishikant Dubey, Jai Anant Dehadrai, and several media outlets. She has also written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging that Dubey is exploiting the situation for political gain.
The dismissal of Moitra’s plea by the Delhi High Court adds another layer of complexity to the controversy, highlighting the legal battles and the intense scrutiny surrounding the cash for query scam case. As the investigation progresses and legal proceedings unfold, the case continues to attract attention and speculation, underscoring the challenges and intricacies of political ethics and accountability.
