The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra and advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai to consider resolving their dispute over the custody of a pet dog through an amicable settlement outside court.
Justice Manoj Jain issued notice to Moitra on Dehadrai’s appeal and remarked, “Why don’t you sit together and sort out the issue out of court?”
The matter relates to a custody battle over a Rottweiler named Henry. According to submissions, Moitra had filed a civil suit before the trial court seeking joint custody of the pet.
In response, Dehadrai challenged an ex-parte order passed by the trial court that barred public disclosure of the proceedings. The trial court had directed that “the present proceedings shall not be publicised in any manner.”
Dehadrai argued before the High Court that the order amounted to a “sweeping gag order,” restricting him from even disclosing the existence of Moitra’s suit in the public domain. He maintained that the directive curtailed his right to express or inform others about the litigation.
The two were reportedly in a relationship but later separated. The dispute over the dog’s custody has since escalated into legal proceedings, drawing public attention due to the involvement of a sitting MP.
The High Court has now sought Moitra’s response to Dehadrai’s appeal and indicated a preference for an out-of-court settlement, emphasising that such personal disputes are best resolved amicably.
