New Delhi: Her MP post has been canceled in the question debate instead of money. Not only this, the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee has also recommended a ‘time-bound’ inquiry against him. The question is, what will Trinamool MP Mohua Moitra do next? Is there a legal path open to him?
Even after being convicted and losing the MP, Moitra has repeatedly claimed that she is innocent and there is no evidence of any financial transaction against her. Even the uproar over the issue of Parliament’s login ID is not illegal as per the rules. Moitra claimed that the Ethics Committee did not give her a chance to defend herself. He was hanged only on the basis of statements of two citizens. He was not even allowed to speak in Parliament.
The question is, can he take any legal action on these allegations? Experts believe that if Mahua wants, legal action is open. Former Lok Sabha secretary PDT Achari said Moitra may question the process of the Ethics Committee’s probe. It wasn’t a matter for the Ethics Committee. It was a matter of the Privileges Committee. The way to the High Court or the Supreme Court is also open in front of the Trinamool MP. He can sue for the right to justice and a proper hearing. Moreover, the rights of the Ethics Committee can also be challenged. The TMC has always maintained that the Ethics Committee has no right to disqualify an MP. Only the Privileges Committee can do that.
Besides, the Lok Sabha elections are in a few months. Mahua can contest that election. As per rules, an MP does not lose the right to contest elections if his office is disqualified. Only those sentenced to more than two years in jail in a criminal case can be disqualified as an MP and barred from contesting elections for six years. That is, there is no bar for Mahua to contest the election.
