Cash-For-Query Case: Delhi HC Dismisses Mahua Moitra's Plea Challenging Bungalow Eviction Notice

The Delhi HC dismissed the application moved by expelled Mahua Moitra, seeking a restraint on the operation of her eviction from her government accommodation.

Cash-For-Query Case: The Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed the application moved by expelled Lok Sabha MP and Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra, seeking a restraint on the operation of her eviction from her government accommodation. The decision of the High Court came after Mahua Moitra approached the Delhi High Court, challenging a notice by the Directorate of Estates to vacate the government bungalow that was allotted to her but was cancelled following her expulsion.

While pronouncing its decision, Delhi High Court said, "In view of the pendency of the issue of expulsion of petitioner before Supreme Court and the issue of extension of time to vacate the government accommodation being inextricably linked with that, coupled with the fact that as on date petitioner has no right," as quoted by ANI.

"The high court also said that this court is not inclined to invoke jurisdiction to restrain the operation of the impugned eviction order. Accordingly, the application stands dismissed," the court further stated. The eviction notice was issued to Moitra on Tuesday. Moitra, who was expelled from the Lok Sabha on December 8 last year, was earlier asked to vacate the house by January 7 after the allotment was cancelled.

She was held guilty of "unethical conduct" and expelled from the House for allegedly accepting gifts and other favours from businessman Darshan Hiranandani in return for asking questions targeting his business rival Gautam Adani.

Moitra was instructed to vacate the bungalow immediately, which was allotted to her during her tenure as an MP. "Since the eviction notice was issued on Tuesday, a team from the Directorate of Estates will now be dispatched to ensure prompt vacation of the government bungalow," a source told PTI.

Moitra had been earlier directed to vacate the residence by January 7 following the cancellation of her allotment. On January 8, the DoE issued a notice, giving Moitra three days to respond to why she had not vacated the government accommodation. Another notice followed on January 12.

On January 4, the Delhi High Court advised Moitra to approach the DoE with a request to permit her to continue residing in the government accommodation allocated to her. The court acknowledged exceptional circumstances allowing a resident to overstay for up to six months, subject to certain charges. Click here to read more.