West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal has sent a legal notice to Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Mahua Moitra over her social media remarks describing him as a “Vote Chor” (vote thief), seeking an apology and Rs 10 crore in compensation for alleged defamation.
The notice relates to social media posts in which Moitra allegedly described Agarwal as a vote thief when he was serving as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal during the Assembly elections earlier this year.
In the posts, Moitra accused Agarwal of illegally depriving millions of legitimate Bengali voters of their voting rights. She also made remarks suggesting that he would be held accountable for his actions.
According to the legal notice, Agarwal’s counsel maintained that he had discharged his responsibilities as the state’s former CEO in accordance with the law and the instructions of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The notice alleged that Moitra’s remarks had harmed Agarwal’s professional integrity, competence and public reputation.
Agarwal’s counsel has asked the TMC MP to delete the two disputed posts within 24 hours of receiving the notice and issue a written apology. The notice also demands a written undertaking that she will refrain from making similar allegedly defamatory statements in the future.
In addition to Rs 10 crore in compensation for the alleged damage to Agarwal’s reputation, the notice seeks Rs 50,000 towards legal and incidental expenses.
Agarwal’s counsel has warned that failure to comply with the demands could lead to civil and criminal legal proceedings.
The notice represents Agarwal’s legal position and allegations against Moitra. The claims have not been adjudicated by a court.
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