Calcutta HC Extends Mahua Moitra’s Protection From Arrest Till January in Religious Sentiments Case

Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya extended the protection until January 29, 2027, while making it clear that the police investigation would continue in accordance with law. The court also directed Moitra, the Krishnanagar MP, to cooperate with the investigating officer during the probe.

The matter will next come up for hearing on January 13.

The case relates to a complaint filed against Moitra over alleged remarks made during a Facebook live broadcast on June 15, in which she is accused of making comments that offended the religious sentiments of a particular community.

The following day, Hirak Bhattacharya, general secretary of the BJP's Karimpur Mandal-4 block in Nadia district, lodged a written complaint against Moitra at Hogalberia Police Station. Police subsequently registered an FIR and began an investigation.

Moitra challenged the FIR before the Calcutta High Court in July. The court had initially granted her interim protection from coercive action until October 5. The same protection has now been extended until January 29.

In a separate matter concerning Moitra, the court directed that security arrangements provided to her following an alleged egg attack during a visit to her parliamentary constituency should continue until November 30.

Under an earlier court order, two police personnel have been assigned to escort the MP during her visits to the constituency.

The cases arising from the alleged egg attack are currently pending before a Division Bench headed by Calcutta Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge. In view of the pending proceedings, Justice Bhattacharyya recused himself from further hearing the matter on Thursday.