Krishnanagar, Nadia — A magistrate's court in Krishnanagar on Wednesday ordered the issuance of an arrest warrant against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra after she failed to appear in connection with a criminal complaint alleging that she made insulting remarks about the Indian Army and other persons.
Court cites repeated non‑appearance, directs execution report
The 3rd Judicial Magistrate at Krishnanagar said the MP had ignored repeated summonses to appear physically before the court in the matter and therefore directed that an arrest warrant be issued immediately. The court also asked that an execution report for the warrant be submitted before it on August 28.
The complaint against Moitra, who represents Krishnanagar in the Lok Sabha, included allegations of humiliating statements against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, insulting women and delivering hate speech, in addition to her remarks about the Indian Army. Pre‑cognisance summons had earlier been issued by the court in the case.
Judge remarks on conduct and defence concerns
In its order the court criticised what it described as a lackadaisical approach by the accused in complying with court directions. The magistrate observed that the MP had not complied despite repeated summonses and said that this left the court with no option but to issue an arrest warrant.
"The series of disobedience of the order of this court .... goes to show the lackadaisical approach of the accused to comply with the court order and accordingly this court is left with no other option but to issue a warrant of arrest against her," the order said.
The judge noted that counsel for Moitra had told the court she would not appear before it at any point, a stance the magistrate said amounted to having "No respect for the court of law". The MP's lawyer expressed apprehension that she might be heckled outside the court premises if she appeared, the court record shows.
Petitioner's representation and police view
The petitioner in the case, Chayan Nandi, a resident of Krishnanagar, had informed media that the court had issued summons multiple times but the MP had not been present on any occasion. A senior official of the Krishnanagar police district confirmed that the complaint had been filed under sections including those related to insulting the modesty of a woman and promoting enmity.
| Allegation | Legal provision (as reported) |
|---|---|
| Insulting modesty of a woman | Section 79 |
| Promoting enmity between groups | Section 196 (as mentioned) |
Legal process next steps
The court's direction requires that the arrest warrant be executed and an execution report be placed before the magistrate by 28 August. The order itself will form part of the record as proceedings continue. The case had reached the stage of pre‑cognisance summons before the current impasse on personal appearance.
- Immediate action: Arrest warrant to be issued and execution report due 28 August.
- Charges cited: Allegations include insulting the Indian Army, derogatory comments about Amit Shah, insulting women and hate speech.
- Court finding: Repeated failure to appear despite summons deemed contemptuous conduct.
The development comes against a politically charged backdrop in West Bengal, where high‑profile legal cases involving elected representatives often attract public and media attention. Krishnanagar, long known for its cultural heritage and political activity within Nadia district, now finds itself at the centre of another legal confrontation involving a sitting MP.
No further details on whether the MP will seek legal recourse against the warrant or whether any anticipatory steps have been taken were available in the court record reported on Wednesday. The case file, the court order and the police action will determine the next phase of proceedings.
As the matter advances towards the deadline for the execution report, political parties and local observers in Nadia are likely to monitor events closely for their legal and electoral implications.
