New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice on a plea by TMC MP Mahua Moitra challenging her expulsion from Lok Sabha over alleged misconduct and sharing of log-in credentials but declined to allow her to participate in the Lok Sabha proceedings. The apex court issued notice to the secretary general of the Lok Sabha secretariat .
A bench comprising justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta said let the reply be filed by first respondent (secretary general, Lok Sabha secretariat) in three weeks and scheduled the matter for further hearing in the week commencing on March 11.
Senior advocate A M Singhvi, representing Moitra, requested the bench to allow him to argue on interim relief and said, “I can be allowed to take part in proceedings”. Justice Khanna said, “no, no….we will take it up when listed...”
The bench, in its order, noted that a number of issues have been raised and it will not like to comment on any issue at this stage. “One of the issues is with regard to jurisdiction of this court and the power of judicial review. Senior advocate appearing for the petitioner has relied upon Raja Rampal…..Solicitor General Tushar Mehta is appearing for secretary-general, Lok Sabha Secretariat…”, noted the bench.
During the hearing, Mehta urged the bench to not issue in the matter. Justice Khanna clarified that the court is only issuing notice to the first respondent. Singhvi argued that the alleged bribe-giver is not summoned and the committee's findings are contradictory. Singhvi contended that the complainant suppresses the fact that she was in a relationship with him and he said that Mr Hiranandani was asking her to submit questions.
Singhvi asked the court, can an MP not delegate her work? Imagine Hiranandani to be her secretary for a minute. Justice Khanna queried, so you are accepting that you shared the OTP with Hiranandani? Singhvi said as every parliamentarian does with their secretaries or people, they delegate work to.