On Wednesday, the Supreme Court addressed Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra's appeal contesting her removal from the Lok Sabha. The bench, comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, refrained from issuing any interim orders, stating that granting such relief would be akin to deciding the main petition.

The Court directed Moitra to await a consideration of her plea for interim relief until March, rejecting any notice issuance to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and the Committee on Ethics. Instead, a response was sought solely from the Lok Sabha secretary general. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the secretary general, urged the court not to formally notify and assured the filing of a reply to Moitra's petition. Mehta contended that the court should refrain from delving into the internal disciplinary matters of the sovereign organ of the state.

The court accepted this stance, scheduling the next hearing for the week starting March 11.

For context, on December 8, a motion for Moitra's expulsion was moved in the Lok Sabha, citing "unethical conduct" related to the sharing of her portal credentials. The Committee on Ethics found her guilty, leading to her expulsion. The motion alleged further misconduct, including accepting gifts and illegal gratification. Moitra's plea challenges these accusations, seeking redress from the Supreme Court.

The case has sparked a broader legal and institutional inquiry, with the Central Bureau of Investigation filing a preliminary FIR in response to the allegations.

Case: Mahua Moitra v. Lok Sabha, Secretariat.