The Supreme Court has rejected the examination of the expulsion of Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra from the Lok Sabha, dealing a setback to her amid cash-for-query allegations connected to businessman Darshan Hiranandani.
While the Supreme Court did not outright dismiss Moitra's challenge against her parliamentary expulsion, it stated that it would initially ascertain whether it has the jurisdiction to address the matter.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Lok Sabha Secretary General, argued that the Supreme Court should refrain from intervening in decisions made within parliament. He emphasised that parliament possesses its own sovereignty and is one of the three organs under the Constitution. Additionally, Mehta asserted that parliament can handle disciplinary matters concerning its members internally through procedures not subject to judicial review.
"If we have the power of judicial review, we will investigate," remarked the Supreme Court.
Moitra has been granted three weeks to respond, and the hearing is scheduled to commence on March 11 in the Supreme Court. Currently expelled from the Lok Sabha, she is unable to participate in the proceedings.
The Supreme Court refrained from making comments on the merits of the issues raised by Moitra in her challenge to the expulsion but has kept the case open.
During the hearing, the court inquired, "Do you admit that you shared OTP with Hiranandani?" Senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Moitra, responded, "All MPs do this with their secretaries."
Despite Moitra's plea for an early hearing due to the upcoming Budget session, the Supreme Court declined to expedite the process.
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