Mahua Moitra Gets Interim Relief From Calcutta High Court in Hate Speech Case

The Mahua Moitra hate speech case saw another development on Thursday after the Calcutta High Court extended the Trinamool Congress MP's interim protection from coercive action until January 29, 2027. The court is continuing to hear Moitra's plea seeking cancellation of the criminal proceedings registered against her.

Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya also fixed January 13, 2027, for the next hearing. During the proceedings, the West Bengal government's Advocate General Surojit Nath Mitra submitted a report stating that Moitra had appeared before the Hogalberia police station in Nadia district on August 14 and cooperated with investigators.

What did the court hear?

Moitra's legal team told the court that she had answered questions during her appearance before the investigating officers. Her lawyer also clarified that she was not subjected to egg pelting during that visit, following an earlier direction from the court concerning her security.

Moitra has sought cancellation of the case, arguing that the allegations against her were concocted and politically motivated. The police investigation, however, remains ongoing.

The High Court had originally granted her interim protection on July 21 and directed her to appear before the investigating officer on August 14. The protection was subsequently continued as the legal proceedings progressed.

Background to the case

The case stems from allegations that Moitra made objectionable remarks concerning Union Home Minister Amit Shah, members of the armed forces and certain Hindu religious beliefs and symbols. Complainants claimed that the remarks hurt religious sentiments. Moitra has challenged the proceedings and sought their cancellation.

The matter has unfolded alongside separate disputes over alleged attacks on Moitra during visits to her Krishnanagar constituency. In September, she approached the Calcutta High Court after eggs were allegedly thrown at her vehicle, claiming that police had failed to adequately enforce an earlier security direction.

For now, the latest High Court order means Moitra continues to have protection from coercive action while her plea is considered. The next significant hearing in the matter is scheduled for January 13, with the interim protection extending until January 29, 2027.