Govt residence eviction: Delhi HC asks Mahua Moitra to approach Directorate of Estates

New Delhi, Jan 4 (IANS) The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked expelled Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra to approach the Directorate of Estates for permission to continue occupation of the government allotted accommodation.

Moitra had moved HC contesting the Directorate of Estates' order cancelling her government accommodation and instructing her to vacate by January 7, 2024.

Justice Subramoniun Prasad noted that the regulations allowed authorities to grant temporary overstay for residents under exceptional circumstances.

"Submit a request to the Directorate of Estates, and appropriate action will be taken in compliance with the law," stated the judge.

The court permitted Moitra to withdraw the current petition, stressing the legal requirement of issuing notice to a resident prior to eviction.

The court affirmed that the government would proceed with eviction in adherence to the law.

During the last hearing on December 19 last year, Justice Prasad had stressed the significance of the pending Supreme Court decision.

He had said: "The matter is pending before the Supreme Court, and if it decides to accept the interim application and decides to stay, consequences will follow. If you're inviting this court to pass an order, it will directly be impigning to the matter pending in the Supreme Court."

He had further clarified: "Therefore, in any event, the court opens on January 2, 2024. It is listed in SC on January 3. We'll take up on the 4th."

The petition sought to annul the December 11 order or, alternatively, allow Moitra to retain possession until the 2024 Lok Sabha election results.

Moitra, expelled from the Lok Sabha on December 8, for alleged unethical conduct, challenged the expulsion in the Supreme Court.

The petition argued that the Directorate of Estates' order is premature since the validity of her expulsion is pending adjudication in the Supreme Court.

As Moitra faces possible eviction, the plea stresses her duty as a Lok Sabha candidate for the 2024 polls.

The instability in accommodation is claimed as a hindrance to her role in engaging with constituents and fellow politicians, especially during the election season.

Living alone in Delhi with no alternative residence, Moitra has urged the court to allow her to continue residing in her current house until the 2024 General Elections, pledging to pay any applicable charges for the extended stay.