In the latest development surrounding Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra, who was expelled from Lok Sabha last month for “unethical conduct,” she has now vacated her government bungalow. The Bengal MP’s eviction comes after she received a notice earlier this week, ordering her to vacate the premises immediately.
“House number 9B Telegraph Lane occupied by Ms. Mahua Moitra was fully vacated by 10 am this morning 19/1/2023, and possession handed over by her lawyers to Directorate of Estates who are inspecting and engaged in due process. Premises were vacated before authorities arrived and no eviction took place at all,” stated Ms. Moitra’s lawyers in a media communication.
The eviction notice, issued by the Directorate of Estates, had urged Ms. Moitra to vacate the bungalow promptly. The notice warned that failure to comply could lead to eviction “by the use of such force as may be necessary.”
The government emphasized that Ms. Moitra had been given “sufficient opportunity” to vacate but failed to demonstrate that she was not an unauthorized occupant of the government property.
Despite her attempts to seek relief, Ms. Moitra faced disappointment on Thursday when the Delhi High Court refused to stay the eviction order, directing her to vacate the government bungalow. Justice Girish Kathpalia noted that no specific rule had been presented to the court regarding the eviction of MPs from government accommodation after they cease to be lawmakers.
Ms. Moitra’s expulsion from Lok Sabha on December 8, 2023, stemmed from allegations of “unethical conduct.” She was accused of accepting gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani and sharing her user ID and password of the Parliament website with him.
The eviction episode adds another chapter to the ongoing controversy surrounding Mahua Moitra, with legal proceedings and her removal from the government bungalow marking significant developments in the aftermath of her expulsion from the Lok Sabha.
Sources By Agencies