After a heated debate on the Ethics Committee’s report on the ‘cash for query’ controversy, Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra faced expulsion from the Lok Sabha. The expulsion, which came after an opposition walkout, has sparked controversy and accusations of an unfair investigation.
Moitra, who was denied the opportunity to speak during the parliamentary session, made her statement to the media outside the Lok Sabha. She slammed the Ethics Committee, claiming it had broken every rule in the book. The opposition’s walkout highlighted the growing tensions surrounding the case.
The Ethics Committee’s report, which probed the ‘Unethical Conduct’ of the TMC MP, recommended her expulsion from the Lok Sabha. It called for an intense, legal, and institutional inquiry by the central government in a time-bound manner. The report accused Moitra of serious misdemeanours, advocating for her severe punishment.
During the parliamentary debate, Manish Tewari, nominated by the Congress to address the issue, raised critical questions about the procedure followed by the Ethics Committee. He challenged whether the committee’s process superseded the fundamental principle of natural justice. Tewari asserted, “What kind of procedure is this?” and questioned the Ethics Committee’s authority to decide the exact punishment.
The political theatrics unfolded as Speaker Om Birla announced the acceptance of the Ethics Committee’s conclusions, stating that Moitra’s conduct was deemed “immoral and indecent as an MP.” The decision to expel her was framed as a response to her alleged ethical violations.
Amid the chaos, Tewari continued to press for fairness and adherence to natural justice principles, emphasizing the need for adequate time to study the extensive report. He underscored the unconventional nature of the parliamentary proceedings, likening it to a judicial body.
The opposition’s demand for a more comprehensive review and the perceived haste in Moitra’s expulsion have ignited a fierce debate over the politicization of ethics investigations. The unfolding events cast a shadow over the procedural integrity of the Ethics Committee’s inquiry and the ensuing decision-making process, raising questions about the broader implications for parliamentary ethics in India.