File Picture : ANI
The Supreme Court has sought a reply from the Lok Sabha secretary general on Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra’s plea challenging her expulsion from the Lower House.
A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta also refused to pass an order on her interim prayer that she be permitted to attend the Lok Sabha proceedings, saying that allowing it will amount to granting her the main relief.
“We will consider your plea for interim relief in March,” Justice Khanna told Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, who appeared for Moitra.
The current Lok Sabha will have one more session — the Budget Session — before the general elections are held.
The top court also refused to issue notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and the Committee on Ethics of the House. Both were made respondents by Moitra in her plea.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Lok Sabha secretary general, urged the bench not to issue a formal notice and said he will file a reply to Moitra’s petition.
Reacting to SC ruling , Mahua Moitra Tweeted
Notice issued to Lok Sabha Secreteriat by SC on my plea against wrongful expulsion. Next hearing March 11th.
Thank you @DrAMSinghvi
— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) January 3, 2024
