Supreme Court Petition On August 15, 2024, Mahua Moitra, a TMC MP, approached the Supreme Court with an Article 32 petition after being evicted from the Krishnanagar Circuit House at about 11 pm. The petition, filed before a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, argues that the eviction violated a protective order issued by the Calcutta High Court and raised serious questions of federalism and the security of women MPs.
The Supreme Court bench expressed reluctance to entertain the case, with the CJI stating, "We are not going to entertain," and later added, "We will see." The petition seeks an early listing and an independent investigation into the alleged eviction, which allegedly occurred despite the High Court order.
Background & Allegations Moitra had moved into the Circuit House for an overnight stay after the Parliament session ended on August 14. She claimed that local officials, including the Additional District Magistrate and the District Magistrate, forced her to vacate the premises around 10 pm, while a crowd outside shouted "Jai Shri Ram." She highlighted the incident as a violation of her rights and a threat to her safety, especially as a woman MP staying alone.
She wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on August 15, urging intervention to protect the dignity and security of women MPs. The letter also linked the episode to the ongoing debate on women’s representation in Parliament and mentioned a possible privilege motion in Lok Sabha.
Legal & Political Reactions The episode drew support from opposition leaders: TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee called it evidence of insecurity in the Suvendu Adhikari administration, while Congress leader Pawan Khera and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also reacted. No official response has been issued by Nadia district authorities.
In a separate legal proceeding, a court in Nadia district on August 19 issued an arrest warrant against Moitra for allegedly failing to appear in a case concerning remarks attributed to her about the Indian Army. The 3rd Judicial Magistrate directed that an execution report be submitted by August 28, citing BNS sections 79, 196, 299, 351, and 353(2). Moitra’s lawyer expressed concern about potential heckling if she appeared before the court.
The Supreme Court’s decision on whether to schedule a hearing remains pending, while the arrest warrant continues to loom over the MP’s legal challenges. The case underscores the broader issues of federalism, MP accommodation rights, and the protection of women politicians in India.