A 3rd Judicial Magistrate Court in Krishnanagar on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant against Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra after she allegedly failed to adhere to repeated directions to appear in court in a complaint case involving alleged objectionable remarks and hate speech. 

The case pertains to social media posts allegedly made by Moitra on June 12 against Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Indian Army. A separate complaint was filed before the Krishnanagar District Court on June 17, alleging that her remarks disrupted communal harmony and hurt sentiments of Hindus. 

Moitra ignores court summons

The court had issued multiple notices directing Moitra, the Krishnanagar Lok Sabha MP to appear in connection with the complaint. However, she allegedly failed to attend the proceedings despite repeated opportunities. 

Moitra was initially directed to appear by August 18. Subsequently, the judge extended the deadline until 5 pm on August 19. However, as she failed to appear even within the extended period, the court issued the arrest warrant for alleged non-compliance with its directives. 

As per the procedure applicable to complaint cases under Section 227 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the Judicial Magistrate had earlier issued summons to the accused while examining the complaint. 

Sections invoked in the complaint

The complaint filed against Moitra invokes several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

• Section 79: Insulting the modesty of a woman
• Section 196: Promoting enmity between groups
• Section 299: Outraging religious feelings
• Section 351: Criminal intimidation
• Section 353(2): Hate speech

Reportedly, the allegations centre on comments concerning the modesty of women and remarks related to women wearing the burqa, besides the social media remarks made against Minister Shah and the Indian Army. 

Court orders Moitra to appear in person

Post-issuance of the warrant, the Judicial Magistrate (3rd Court) at Krishnanagar District Court has ordered Moitra to appear in person on August 28. The warrant was issued after the court’s repeated summons and the extended deadline for appearance were allegedly not complied with.