Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has been facing fresh legal trouble after a Krishnanagar court issued an arrest warrant against her on Wednesday for repeatedly failing to appear before the court.
The warrant was issued in connection with a case linked to alleged objectionable remarks made by Moitra during an interview. The complaint includes allegations related to remarks about the Indian Army, women and hate speech.
Court Takes Action After Repeated Non-Appearance
According to court proceedings, Moitra had been asked several times to appear before the Krishnanagar court. However, she did not attend the hearings despite the directions.
The court had again directed the TMC MP to remain present on Wednesday. When she failed to appear, the judicial magistrate ordered the issuance of an arrest warrant.
The case has been registered under several provisions of law, including sections relating to insulting the modesty of a woman, promoting enmity, hurting religious sentiments, criminal intimidation and hate speech.
Moitra’s Lawyer Raises Security Concerns
During the proceedings, Moitra’s lawyer reportedly told the court that she was concerned about possible heckling or confrontation outside the court premises if she appeared in person.
The court, however, took note of her continued absence and proceeded with the warrant.
Supreme Court Had Earlier Declined To Intervene
The latest development comes after Moitra recently approached the Supreme Court over a separate legal matter involving a hate speech case.
The Supreme Court declined to interfere with a Calcutta High Court direction requiring her to appear before the police for questioning. Following the court’s response, her lawyer withdrew the petition.
Calcutta High Court Had Granted Temporary Protection
Earlier, on July 21, the Calcutta High Court had provided Moitra interim protection from coercive action until October 5 in the hate speech case. The court had also directed her to cooperate with the investigation and appear before the investigating officer.
The latest arrest warrant from the Krishnanagar court adds another legal challenge for the TMC MP as proceedings continue in different cases.
