Mahua’s remarks on ex-CJI, Loya trigger chaos, Rijiju warns of action

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra on Friday hit out at “some members” of the higher judiciary, alleging them of compromising the independence and integrity of the courts.

Participating in a discussion on the Constitution in the Lok Sabha, the Krishnanagar MP attacked former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud over his “prayed to God” remark regarding the Ayodhya temple verdict.

Mahua said that architects of the Constitution would never have imagined that judges would rely on personal conversations with “God” to deliver judgements rather than on reason and logic.

In October, Chandrachud had shared his personal experience dealing with the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute and said that he prayed to God for a solution.

Moitra’s other reference to the death of judge BH Loya “long before his time” also led to chaos in Lok Sabha as Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused her of raising a matter settled by the Supreme Court and warned of “appropriate parliamentary action”.

The TMC MP made a passing remark on Loya’s death as she attacked the ruling BJP for allegedly targeting institutions and Opposition leaders to silence critical voices.

Soon after Moitra’s speech, the Lower House was adjourned twice for short durations as BJP members protested uproariously, urging Speaker Om Birla to expunge Mahua Moitra’s remarks.

BJP member Nishikant Dubey first raised the issue after her speech was over. He also objected to her criticism of former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, who recently retired, for a host of reasons, including receiving Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

Dubey accused Moitra of making insinuation about Loya’s death. Rijiju said the case is settled and the TMC MP’s remarks were very serious. There is no question of any link or interference, he added.

“We will take appropriate parliamentary action. You cannot escape. You are setting a very wrong precedent,” Rijiju said.

Speaker Om Birla said he would look into the records.

The Supreme Court, while hearing some pleas, had ruled out any foul play in the death of Loya, saying he had died of natural causes.

His death in 2014 had created a major row following a media report alleging foul play as he was hearing a politically sensitive case. After looking into the matter, the apex court had said there was no merit in PILs alleging foul play.