FirstUp: SC to hear Moitra plea, Modi-Shah in Rajasthan… today’s big news

It’s Friday. And there’s a day of blockbuster news expected. The Supreme Court will hear expelled Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra’s plea today. In Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are set to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Bhajanlal Sharma. Meanwhile, Parliament could be sent for another stormy day. A court in Mumbai is set to hear a plea against BJP MLA Nitesh Rane in a defamation case. Let’s take a look at the day’s big-ticket items: SC to hear Mahua Moitra plea Moitra is set to get her day in court. The TMC leader had approached the top court challenging her expulsion from the Lok Sabha. This, after the House adopted the report of its ethics committee that held her guilty of accepting gifts and illegal gratification from a businessman to further his interests. On 8 December, after a heated debate in the Lok Sabha over the panel report during which Moitra was not allowed to speak, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi moved a motion to expel the TMC MP from the House for “unethical conduct” which was adopted by a voice vote. Reacting sharply to her expulsion, Moitra had equated the action with hanging by a “kangaroo court” and alleged that a parliamentary panel was being weaponised by the government to force the opposition into submission. Will the apex court rule in the favour of the former MP? Modi-Shah in Rajasthan The BJP this week continued its choice of elevating fresh faces by picking a first-term MLA for its choice as chief minister in Rajasthan. Now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda will be on hand to witness the swearing-in ceremony of Bhajan Lal Sharma as the Rajasthan chief minister on Friday. Massive security and sitting arrangements have been made at the historic Albert Hall, where a large number of people are likely to witness the ceremony. [caption id=“attachment_13464762” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] While many have been surprised by the BJP’s choices, the picks line up with the BJP’s 2024 game plan. PTI[/caption] Sharma and his deputies — Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa —  will be administered the oath by Governor Kalraj Mishra. A spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said invitations have been sent to central leaders and state chief ministers for the ceremony. Parliament session continues Will Parliament witness another chaotic day? Thursday saw 15 Opposition MPs – Derek O’Brien in the Rajya Sabha and another 14 MPs in the Lok Sabha – suspended for 'unruly conduct.' This occurred on the day after Parliament witnessed a serious breach with two people jumping into the chamber and two more protesting outside. At least six people are involved in the incident which came on the anniversary of the Parliament attack. Opposition MPs created a continuous uproar in both Houses – leading to Parliament being adjourned several times. The Opposition has called the suspension of the MPs a ‘murder of democracy’, while the government has called for the ‘grave national issue’ not to be politicised. Plea against Nitesh Rane A Mumbai will hear a plea against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Nitesh Rane in connection with a defamation complaint lodged against him by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. In May, Rane, son of Union minister Narayan Rane, had allegedly called Raut a “snake” who would ditch Uddhav Thackeray and join the NCP by 10 June. Raut, a Rajya Sabha member, filed a complaint before the magistrate’s court seeking action against Rane for the alleged “defamatory and blatantly false” remarks. The court had issued a bailable warrant against Rane after he failed to appear before it. The court had in October issued a process (summons) to Rane directing him to appear before it. [caption id=“attachment_13270102” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] UBT Sena MP Sanjay Raut had filed the plea against Nitesh Rane. ANI[/caption] The court on noted that Rane was absent and that no lawyer was present for him. Raut’s lawyer then filed an application seeking the issuance of a warrant against the MLA. The court accepted the application and posted the matter for further hearing today. Chile referendum election beckons Chileans are set to go to the polls on a new constitution that seeks to replace its dictatorship-era text. The push to rewrite the constitution that dates back to the 1973-1990 rule of General Augusto Pinochet was born out of fiery protests four years ago sparked in part by deep inequality that many blamed on that framework.

The mandatory plebiscite is the country’s second attempt at drafting a new charter.

The first attempt was written by a body elected by popular vote and dominated by left-wing voices. It granted far-reaching environmental protections and guaranteed a wide slate of social rights. But for many Chileans it was too radical and it was rejected in September 2022 by voters. Happy b’day Bhaichung Bhutia! Bhaichung Bhutia, the most famous Indian footballer of all time, turns 47 today. The ‘Sikkimese Sniper’ made his debut at the tender age of 16 for East Bengal in 1993 and bid farewell to the game he loves in a 2012 friendly against Bayern Munich. The years in between saw him revolutionise Indian football with his sublime skills and popularise the game across the cricket-mad nation. [caption id=“attachment_13504962” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Bhaichung Bhutia celebrates his 47th birthday today.[/caption] The legendary footballer in November joined the Opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) headed by former Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling. Here’s hoping he has a wonderful day and a great year ahead. With inputs from agencies