Delhi HC junks Mahua Moitra's plea to restrain Dubay, Dehadrai from making allegations

Set back for Mahua Moitra

In a setback for expelled parliamentarian Mahua Moitra, a single judge of the Delhi High Court dismissed the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders interim application on March 4 to restrain BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai from making allegations against her.

The case was reserved for judgment in December 2023 after hearing both parties for several days.

Moitra's lawyer alleged that social media attacks persist against her despite filing the lawsuit, emphasiasing the need for an urgent interim order. Moitra was expelled from Lok Sabha in December 2023 after the ethics committee recommended the same.

The defamation suit was filed against the BJP MP and Dehadrai after they alleged that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader took cash and gifts from businessman Darshan Hiranandani to ask questions in Parliament about the Adani group to malign Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Refuting the charges, Moitra has described Dehadrai, a Supreme Court lawyer, as a “jilted ex” who was trying to get back at her. The two have been involved in a legal tussle over their pet Rottweiler, Henry.

But a day before the hearing, there was a fresh twist in the case when a purported statement released by Hiranandani reiterated the charges. Moitra dismissed the statement and said it was done under pressure from the Prime Minister's Office.

On October 15, Dubey wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, saying an inquiry committee should be set up to look into accusations against Moitra. He also demanded her immediate suspension from the House, alleging that "bribes were exchanged between businessman Darshan Hiranandani and her to ask questions in Parliament in exchange for cash and gifts".

Dubey and Moitra have been involved in a long-running tussle, with the TMC leader questioning the BJP MP's educational qualifications on several occasions.