Mahua Moitra's Lawyer Withdraws From 'Cash-For-Queries' Defamation Case After 'Conflict Of Interest' Allegations

The proceedings in the defamation lawsuit brought by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey, alongside attorney Jai Anant Dehadrai, took a dramatic turn during the hearing at the Delhi High Court on Friday (20 October).

During the course of the proceedings, Dehadrai made a startling revelation in open court, asserting that Gopal Sankaranarayanan, Moitra's lawyer, had contacted him on the preceding Thursday, requesting the withdrawal of the complaint against Moitra.

Dehadrai claimed to possess a recording of this conversation and argued that Sankaranarayanan should be disqualified from representing Moitra in the case, Bar and Bench reported.

In Dehadrai's own words, "A deeply concerning situation has arisen. A significant conflict of interest is evident. He engaged in a 30-minute conversation with me, during which he proposed that I withdraw the CBI complaint in exchange for a certain consideration. Consequently, he should not continue as counsel in this matter; I have the evidence."

Sankaranarayanan acknowledged that he had indeed contacted Dehadrai, citing their prior professional engagement in various legal matters as the reason.

Sankaranarayanan clarified, "Jai has been my legal representative in previous cases. This is why I reached out to him. When I was approached to represent Moitra in this case, I informed my client and sought her approval."

Justice Sachin Datta expressed his shock at the allegation and voiced concerns about the potential conflict of interest if Sankaranarayanan continued to serve as Moitra's legal counsel.

He remarked, "I find this allegation deeply troubling. You, as a legal professional, are held to the highest standards of ethics. If you have had direct contact with Defendant No. 2... it implies that you may have acted as an intermediary. Do you believe it is appropriate for you to continue representing her in this matter?"

Subsequently, Sankaranarayanan opted to withdraw from the case. The Court then proceeded to set a new date for the next hearing, which is scheduled for 31 October.

Moitra seeks a court order against Dubey, Dehadrai, and several media outlets to remove content that she claims contains defamatory statements suggesting that she exchanged parliamentary questions concerning the Adani Group for financial benefits from businessman Darshan Hiranandani.

Both Dubey and Dehadrai have leveled allegations that Moitra accepted bribes in exchange for posing questions in parliament. In a letter addressed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the BJP MP alleged that Moitra had agreed to represent business tycoon Darshan Hiranandani in parliamentary questions in return for monetary rewards and gifts.

To understand the complete matter, read this.