The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday granted interim protection from coercive police action to Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra until October 5 in connection with a hate speech case registered against her in West Bengal’s Nadia district.
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya directed the Krishnanagar lawmaker to appear before the investigating officer for questioning on August 14, making the continuation of her protection conditional on her full cooperation with the ongoing probe.
Court Cites Legal Provisions and Schedules Next Hearing
The court noted that the offences cited under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita carry statutory penalties of less than seven years’ imprisonment. Under established legal standards, the bench observed that Moitra remains entitled to relief from arrest or coercive measures provided she adheres to police notices and participates in the investigation.
Moitra had petitioned the High Court to quash the criminal proceedings registered at the Hogolberia police station, describing the allegations as fabricated and seeking protection against coercive police action. Justice Bhattacharyya fixed October 1 as the date for the next hearing in the matter.
Parliamentary Duties and Security Measures
Defense counsel Ayan Bhattacharya told the court that Moitra is currently in Delhi attending the parliamentary monsoon session, which runs through August 13. Her lawyer submitted that she could participate in the interrogation virtually prior to August 13 if necessary, before physically appearing before the investigating authority starting August 14.
Opposing the application, West Bengal Advocate General Surojit Nath Mitra informed the court that the MP had failed to honor four previous summonses issued by law enforcement authorities.
Following a specific plea from Moitra’s legal team regarding safety concerns, Justice Bhattacharyya issued directions to the police to maintain order and ensure she is not subjected to public hostility or egg-pelting during her personal appearance before the investigating agency.
