A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court has provided interim protection to Mahua Moitra, a two-time Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member from Krishnanagar constituency in Nadia district, West Bengal. The protection shields her from coercive police measures, such as arrest, in a case where she is accused of making statements that incite violence. The protection, granted by Justice Sougata Bhattacharya, remains in effect until October 5, with the condition that Moitra cooperates fully with the police during the investigation.
Justice Bhattacharya emphasized that the protection is contingent on Moitra’s cooperation with the police. He instructed the police to report to the court if she fails to comply. Noting the severity of the charges, which could lead to a 7-year prison sentence if proven, the judge allowed the police to continue their investigation but prohibited any coercive action against Moitra until October 5. The court was informed that Moitra had been summoned multiple times for interrogation but did not appear, citing her parliamentary commitments.
The state government counsel revealed that Moitra had been served notices on four occasions but did not attend the interrogation due to her busy schedule in Parliament. Justice Bhattacharya clarified that the protection will persist until October 5, stressing that the state must alert the court if Moitra does not cooperate. Moitra’s counsel argued during the hearing that she should be permitted to communicate virtually with the police regarding her response to an egg attack.
