The Ethics Committee presented its findings regarding the alleged cash-for-questions case involving Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, recommending her "expulsion" from the Lok Sabha and advocating for a comprehensive legal inquiry by the government within a defined timeline.
As revealed in the report tabled by Ethics Committee chairperson Vinod Sonkar in the Lok Sabha, three specific recommendations against Moitra were extensively examined by the Committee.
The report highlighted Moitra's purported 'unethical conduct' and 'contempt of the House,' citing her act of sharing her Lok Sabha portal login credentials with unauthorized individuals and its alleged impact on 'National Security.'
In light of these findings, the Committee recommended Moitra's expulsion from the Lok Sabha, considering her actions as serious transgressions warranting severe repercussions. Additionally, the report suggested a thorough, time-bound legal and institutional inquiry by the government into Moitra's conduct, which was described as objectionable, unethical, and possibly criminal.
Moreover, the Committee addressed allegations of Moitra accepting money, favors, amenities, and various facilities from Dubai-based businessman Darshan Hiranandani. It proposed an investigation into the 'money trail' of cash transactions between Moitra and Hiranandani, implying potential 'quid pro quo.'
Furthermore, the Committee recommended action against BSP MP Kunwar Danish Ali, a member of the Ethics Committee, for allegedly misrepresenting the intent of questions posed by the Ethics Committee's chairperson during Moitra's deposition. Ali was advised admonishment for purportedly manipulating the question's intent to incite public sentiments and undermining the dignity of the Committee members, breaching parliamentary rules and conduct.
This development emerges from BJP MP Nishiknat Dubey's complaint against Moitra, alleging her involvement in the 'cash for Parliament questions' controversy. The Ethics Committee's scrutiny is centered on claims that Moitra received cash and favors in exchange for raising queries in Lok Sabha related to businessman Gautam Adani at the request of businessman Hiranandani.
Despite Moitra and opposition MPs exiting a meeting on November 2, accusing the Committee's chairperson of inappropriate questioning, the Committee continued its investigation. Dubey and advocate Dehadrai previously provided oral evidence to the panel against Moitra on October 26.
(With Agency Inputs)
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