Calcutta HC extends Mahua Moitra’s protection from arrest till 29 January

• Calcutta HC extends Mahua Moitra’s protection from arrest till 29 January 2027, in an alleged hate speech case

• Court directs Moitra to cooperate with the probe, while police investigation continues; next hearing is on 13 January

• Security cover for Moitra’s constituency visits continues till 30 November following an alleged egg-pelting incident

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday extended till 29 January 2027, its interim protection from coercive action, including arrest, for Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in an alleged hate speech case.

A single-judge bench of justice Saugata Bhattacharyya directed that the investigation into the case continue in accordance with law and asked Moitra to cooperate with the investigating officer. The court fixed 13 January for the next hearing.

The case relates to a complaint alleging that Moitra made remarks during a Facebook live broadcast on 15 June that hurt the religious sentiments of a particular community. A written complaint was subsequently lodged at Hogalberia police station in Nadia district, following which police registered an FIR and began an investigation.

Moitra later approached the Calcutta High Court seeking to quash the criminal proceedings. Justice Bhattacharyya had granted her interim protection from coercive action in July, initially directing that no such steps be taken until 5 October, subject to her compliance with the court's conditions.

As part of those conditions, Moitra appeared before the investigating officer at Hogalberia police station on 14 August and answered questions during the probe. The state informed the court that the investigation remains underway.

The MP has denied the allegations and has challenged the proceedings, describing the case as based on concocted and motivated claims, according to her court plea.

In a separate matter, the court also ordered the continuation of security arrangements for Moitra during her visits to her Krishnanagar constituency until 30 November.

Under an earlier order, two police personnel are to escort the MP during such visits following allegations of egg-pelting and disturbances during her constituency visits.

The proceedings relating to the alleged attack are before a Division Bench headed by Calcutta High Court chief justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge. Justice Bhattacharyya therefore recused himself from further hearing that matter on Thursday.

The extension of protection in the hate speech case means that the police investigation can continue while Moitra remains protected from coercive action until the next stage of the court proceedings.

With IANS inputs