Kolkata, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Calcutta High Court on Monday stayed an arrest warrant issued against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra by a Krishnanagar court in Nadia district in an alleged hate speech case, granting her protection from coercive action until August 31.
A division bench comprising Justices Debangsu Basak and Aryak Dutt directed that Moitra’s challenge to the warrant be taken up again on August 27. The bench will hear the complainant in the case on that date.
The case relates to allegations that Moitra made remarks that insulted women and amounted to hate speech, including comments concerning religious sentiments. The Krishnanagar court had issued summons to her in the matter.
On August 19, the Third Judicial Magistrate at Krishnanagar ordered an arrest warrant after noting that Moitra had failed to appear despite repeated summonses. The court had also directed that a report on the execution of the warrant be submitted by August 28.
Moitra’s lawyer, Arko Kumar Nag, told the High Court that the alleged speeches and the complaints were connected to her position as an MP and argued that the matter should instead be heard by the designated MP/MLA court in Salt Lake. He also contended that the allegations were baseless and did not constitute a criminal offence.
The complaint has invoked provisions relating to allegedly insulting the modesty of a woman, promoting enmity between groups, outraging religious feelings, criminal intimidation and hate speech.
The High Court’s order provides Moitra interim protection while it considers her challenge to the lower court proceedings.
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