A court in Krishnanagar, West Bengal, issued an arrest warrant against All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra on Wednesday, 19 August, in a case stemming from allegedly inflammatory comments targeting the Indian Army, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and remarks touching on religious symbols. The warrant was issued by Judicial Magistrate Third Court Judge Dibyendu Das after Moitra reportedly failed to appear before the court despite being summoned on multiple occasions.

Background of the Case

The complaint was filed by Chayan Nandi, a resident of the Nazirapara area of Krishnanagar in Nadia district, who approached the court over Moitra's alleged remarks on women wearing Tulsi mala, burqa, and hijab, as well as comments described as insulting to the Army and its personnel. Nandi's lawyer, Shirshendu Das, argued the case on his behalf.

Charges were registered against Moitra under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), covering alleged outraging of women's modesty, inciting enmity between different groups, hurting religious sentiments, intimidation, and hate speech.

Why the Warrant Was Issued

According to lawyer Shirshendu Das, summons were issued in Moitra's name on several prior dates, with the court directing her to appear in person at the Krishnanagar court. She reportedly did not appear on any of those dates.

'My client had filed a complaint regarding women wearing Tulsi mala, burqa and hijab, making indecent comments about the Union Home Minister, the army and jawans, and violating the modesty of women. Despite being summoned repeatedly, she did not appear in court on any date. An arrest warrant was issued against her on the last day of his physical appearance from the bench of Judicial Magistrate Third Court Judge Dibyendu Das,' Das told reporters.

The Circuit House Incident

This case comes amid a separate episode involving Moitra in Nadia. A few days prior, she had visited Hogalberia police station in Nadia to comply with a court order in a different matter, after which she stayed overnight at the Circuit House in Krishnanagar. According to Moitra, she was allegedly asked to vacate the Circuit House at night, and she described the incident through a series of videos posted on social media from the premises.

Meanwhile, workers and supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gathered outside the Circuit House and staged protests. Moitra subsequently wrote to the Lok Sabha Speaker regarding the alleged treatment she received during the stay.

What Happens Next

With an arrest warrant now in force, Moitra faces the prospect of being produced before the Krishnanagar court if she continues to remain absent. The case adds to the political and legal pressures surrounding the outspoken MP, who has previously been in the spotlight over the cash-for-query controversy in Parliament. Legal observers note that a sitting MP's non-compliance with repeated court summons is unusual and is likely to draw further scrutiny.