MP Mahua Moitra Faces Possible Expulsion from Parliament over Alleged Cash-For-Query Scam
MP Mahua Moitra, a well-known critic of the government, could face expulsion from Parliament following allegations of involvement in a cash-for-query scam. The recommendation for expulsion comes after a 500-page report, which resulted in a 6-4 vote along party lines in the Ethics Committee, with a suspended Congress MP also supporting the action.
Moitra herself admitted to sharing her parliamentary system password and login details with Darshan Hiranandani, a Dubai resident and businessman. The panel’s investigation found that she had accepted money, gifts, and various other amenities from Hiranandani. The revelation of these dealings made it easier for those in favor of action against Moitra.
One of the charges against Moitra is that 50 out of the 61 questions she asked in Parliament were intended to protect or promote Hiranandani’s business interests, rather than address the issues faced by the people she represented.
The breach of propriety in allowing someone else, especially a foreign national, to use her parliamentary ID raised concerns about potential national security risks. Computer data substantiated these claims.
Despite arguments that other MPs may also be using aides to log in and record questions, this does not serve as a defense for Moitra’s actions. Some have questioned whether expulsion from Parliament is an excessive punishment that does not fit the crime. Expulsion would also leave the constituents of the expelled MP unrepresented in the legislature.
If Moitra is indeed expelled based on the Ethics Committee’s recommendation, she would have the option to challenge the decision in court. It’s worth noting, however, that the actions of the Speaker, who takes the highest recommendation of the ethics panel into consideration, typically lie outside the jurisdiction of the courts.
It is a common fallacy among elected representatives to believe that their ability to garner votes grants them a license to engage in illegal activities. However, politicians have learned the hard way that obtaining a seat in the legislature does not exempt them from the law. While some individuals manipulate the justice system to cling to power, the privileges enjoyed by those in power do not extend to those who have been stripped of their positions. This poses a dilemma for Mahua Moitra.
The final decision rests with the Lok Sabha Speaker, who will likely consider the recommendation of the Ethics Committee. The outcome will determine whether Moitra retains her seat in Parliament or faces expulsion, leaving her with the option to explore legal remedies. In any case, this incident serves as a reminder that elected representatives must maintain transparency, adhere to ethical standards, and avoid actions that could be used against them.
