Calcutta HC extends interim protection to Mahua Moitra in hate speech case

The Calcutta High Court has extended interim protection from coercive action to TMC MP Mahua Moitra till January 29, 2027, in an alleged hate speech case. The court noted that Moitra had complied with its earlier direction by appearing before investigators, while the probe remains ongoing.

Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Thursday extended an interim protection from coercive action to Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra till January 29 next year in an alleged hate speech case.

Advocate General Surojit Nath Mitra, representing the West Bengal government, submitted a report to the court, stating that Moitra appeared before the Hogalberia police station in Nadia district on August 14 and answered questions put to her by the investigating officers as directed earlier.

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The communication also stated that the investigation into the alleged hate speech case was continuing.

Moitra’s lawyer submitted before the court that she was not subjected to egg pelting while appearing at the police station on August 14. He had earlier claimed that Moitra was subjected to such attacks whenever she was visiting her Krishnanagar constituency in Nadia district.

Hearing both the parties, Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya extended the interim protection from coercive action to Moitra in the case till January 29, 2027, and fixed the next date of hearing on January 13.

In this petition, the Krishnanagar MP sought quashing of criminal proceedings against her in the case registered at Hogalberia police station, claiming that concocted and motivated allegations were made against her.

Justice Bhattacharyya, granting interim protection to Moitra from coercive protection in the hate speech case on July 21, had directed her to appear before the investigating officer on August 14 for questioning.

The court had directed that no coercive steps be taken against her until October 5 subject to compliance with the conditions imposed.

On a prayer by her lawyer, Justice Bhattacharyya had in his July 21 order also directed the police authorities to ensure that Moitra is not subjected to egg pelting when she appears before the investigating agency.