The Ministry of Urban Development has issued a second notice to Mahua Moitra, a leader of the Trinamool Congress, instructing her to vacate the government house, according to sources on Thursday. Moitra is required to respond to this notice by January 16, as per the sources.

This development comes after the Directorate of Estate, under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, directed Moitra to vacate her official residence shortly after her expulsion from the Lok Sabha in connection with the 'cash-for-query' case.

In response, Mahua Moitra, a member of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), approached the Delhi High Court, seeking the cancellation of the notice issued by the Directorate of Estate regarding her government accommodation in Delhi.

The plea highlighted that a notice, dated December 11, 2023, had been issued to her, instructing her to vacate the residence by January 7, 2024. Failure to comply would result in proceedings under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants Act) 1971 ('PP Act 1971').

The plea requested permission for her to retain possession of the government accommodation until the results of the 2024 General Elections. It emphasized the importance of the accommodation for her ability to host and engage with party members, parliamentarians, fellow politicians, visiting constituents, key stakeholders, and other dignitaries, especially in the lead-up to a general election.

In a related development, the Supreme Court, on January 3, directed the Secretary General of Lok Sabha to respond to a plea by Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) leader Mahua Moitra challenging her expulsion from the Lok Sabha in connection with a cash-for-query case.

Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha on December 8, 2023, following a discussion on the report of the Ethics Committee regarding the 'cash for query' issue that was presented in the Lower House.

During the discussion, Moitra, who was not permitted to speak inside the House, alleged that the Ethics Committee had violated every rule. She claimed that she had been found guilty of breaching a code of ethics that 'does not exist.'

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