Mahua Moitra Faces Arrest Warrant Over Repeated Absence in Hate Speech Case
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra is facing an arrest warrant in West Bengal after a Krishnanagar court on Wednesday ordered her arrest for repeatedly failing to appear in an alleged hate speech case despite several summonses.
The 3rd Judicial Magistrate of the Krishnanagar court directed that the warrant be issued immediately and asked for an execution report to be submitted by August 28.
The court had directed Moitra to appear on Wednesday after she failed to attend earlier proceedings. However, her lawyer told the court that the MP would not appear, citing concerns that she could be heckled outside the court premises.
The court took a serious view of her continued absence, observing that her conduct reflected a “lackadaisical approach” towards complying with its orders.
The judge noted that repeated non-compliance had left the court with no option but to issue an arrest warrant. The order also recorded the lawyer’s submission that Moitra would not appear before the court and made strong observations about her conduct.
What Is the Case Against Mahua Moitra?
The complaint stems from a video message released by Moitra following an incident in which a group of women gathered outside the court carrying eggs after learning that the Krishnanagar MP was expected to appear.
In the video, Moitra advised the women to wear veils and organise different programmes. The message was subsequently circulated on social media.
The complainant alleged that her remarks hurt religious sentiments and amounted to provocative comments that insulted members of two religious communities.
The complaint was filed before the Krishnanagar court on June 17, 2026.
According to a senior official of the Krishnanagar police district, the case was registered under Sections 79, 196, 299, 351 and 353(2). The provisions include allegations relating to insulting the modesty of a woman, promoting enmity between groups, outraging religious feelings, criminal intimidation and hate speech.
Court Had Issued Multiple Summonses
The court had given Moitra several opportunities to appear in connection with the complaint. Her continued absence eventually prompted the magistrate to order the arrest warrant.
She was given time until 5 pm on Wednesday to appear before the court, but did not do so. The court subsequently proceeded with issuing the warrant.
The magistrate has now directed that a report on the execution of the warrant be submitted by August 28.
Lawyer Cites Fear of Heckling
Moitra’s lawyer told the court that the MP was apprehensive about appearing because she feared being heckled outside the court.
The court, however, did not accept her repeated absence as sufficient grounds to delay the proceedings further, noting that she had already been given multiple opportunities to comply with its directions.
The arrest warrant marks a fresh development in the case, with attention now turning to the execution report that police have been asked to submit on August 28.
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