Mahua Moitra, a prominent Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP, caused a stir in the Lok Sabha on Friday when she made controversial remarks about the death of Judge BH Loya. Referring to him as someone “resting in peace long before his time,” Moitra alluded to lingering questions surrounding the circumstances of Loya’s sudden death in 2014 while hearing a sensitive case. The death had sparked a major controversy and led to allegations of foul play, which the Supreme Court later dismissed, ruling that Loya died of natural causes.
Moitra’s comment came as part of a broader critique of the ruling BJP. She accused the party of undermining institutions and opposition leaders to silence dissent. She drew a comparison between the fate of Judge Loya and that of Justice HR Khanna, who had opposed the government during the 1975 Emergency but lived many years afterwards.
BJP leaders reacted strongly to Moitra’s remarks. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused her of reopening a matter already settled by the Supreme Court and warned of “appropriate parliamentary action.” The remarks prompted disruptions in the House, leading to two adjournments. Speaker Om Birla intervened, asking Moitra to substantiate her statements.
Opposition leaders, including Saugata Roy (TMC) and K C Venugopal (Congress), criticized Rijiju’s tone, calling it an unjustified threat. They demanded an apology or the expunging of his remarks. Speaker Birla assured that he would review the situation and take necessary action.