Kolkata, October 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Calcutta High Court on Thursday extended till January 29, 2027, the interim protection from coercive action, including arrest, granted to Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in a case alleging that her remarks hurt the religious sentiments of a particular community.
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya directed that the investigation would continue in accordance with law and asked Moitra to cooperate with the investigating officer. The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 13.
The case relates to a complaint filed after the West Bengal Assembly elections over alleged remarks made by Moitra during a Facebook Live broadcast on June 15. Following the complaint, Hirak Bhattacharya, general secretary of the BJP’s Karimpur Mandal-4 block in Nadia district, approached the Hogalberia Police Station, after which police registered a case and began an investigation.
Moitra subsequently approached the High Court challenging the proceedings. The court had earlier granted her interim protection, directing her to cooperate with the investigation. A report submitted by the West Bengal government during Thursday’s hearing stated that Moitra appeared before the Hogalberia police on August 14 and answered questions from investigators, in compliance with the court’s earlier directions.
The court’s latest order keeps the protection in place until January 29, while the investigation continues.
In a separate matter concerning security arrangements for Moitra, the court also continued the police protection provided to her during visits to her Krishnanagar constituency following allegations of an egg-pelting incident. Two police personnel had earlier been directed to escort her during such visits.
The proceedings related to the alleged egg attack are before a Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge. Justice Bhattacharyya has therefore recused himself from further hearing of that matter.
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