BJP likely to move breach of privilege motion against TMC MP Moitra

The govt is likely to move a Breach of Privilege Motion against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra over her speech in Lok Sabha on Monday.

During the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, Moitra made critical reference to a former chief justice of India.

"Raising the issue of the Ram Mandir judgment (the Ayodhya temple-mosque verdict) and bringing the then Chief Justice and other things, it's a serious matter and we're thinking of taking appropriate measures," Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said.

However, Mahua Moitra put out a defiant tweet on Tuesday. "It would be a privilege indeed if a breach of privilege motion is initiated against me for speaking the truth during India's darkest hour," she posted.

Moitra speech created a furore in the Lok Sabha as treasury members accused her of violating parliamentary rules and demanding that her remarks be expunged.

RSP MP N K Premachandran, who was in the Chair, at first, warned her that her remarks will be expunged if found objectionable. Later, however, as outrage over her incendiary remarks grew among lawmakers from the ruling party, the comments were expunged from the record.

Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal termed her comments against the former CJI, who was not named, as "shameful".

As per Article 121 of the Constitution of India, no Supreme Court or High Court judge who has discharged their duty or passed a judgement can be discussed in the Parliament.

The Rules and Procedures 352(5) of the Parliament also make it clear that the conduct of people in constitutional positions cannot be questioned. The BJP leaders are of the view that despite the direction of the chair, Moitra continued to repeat her statements violating rules.

During her speech, Moitra lashed out at the government for making "hate and bigotry" a part of its narrative and alleged that the judiciary and the media have also "failed" the country.