The Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal Police to deploy two police personnel with Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra whenever she enters her constituency for the next 30 days.
Justice Saugata Bhattacharya passed the direction while hearing Moitra’s plea concerning alleged incidents of mob disturbance and harassment during her visits to the constituency.
Background Of The Case
Senior Advocate Kalyan Bandopadhyay, appearing for Moitra, submitted that the alleged incidents were making it difficult for her to discharge her responsibilities as an elected representative.
He told the Court that stones and potatoes were allegedly thrown during such incidents. He also referred to an episode involving a Circuit House allotted to Moitra, claiming that its allotment was cancelled late at night while BJP workers were allegedly present outside and police personnel were not available.
“She is not able to discharge her duties because of this. It is happening every day. People are throwing stones and potatoes,” Bandopadhyay submitted.
The State, represented by Additional Advocate General Rajdeep Mazumdar, informed the Court that Moitra had lodged complaints and that steps had been taken in response to the incidents.
Court's Observations
The Court questioned how such incidents could occur if Moitra was already receiving security as an MP.
“If she is protected, then how did these incidents take place for which police had to register an FIR? Which prima facie goes to show that there are incidents affecting her security,” the Court observed.
The Bench also highlighted the broader concern arising from alleged harassment of elected representatives entering their constituencies.
“If an MP is subjected to egg pelting and other harassment while she enters into her constituency, then what will happen to other political persons who show allegiance to rival parties?” the Court asked.
The Court further made it clear that the additional deployment was intended to prevent such incidents and facilitate Moitra’s movement in the constituency.
Court's Decision
After hearing both sides, the Calcutta High Court directed the State to deploy two police personnel with Moitra whenever she enters her constituency.
The Court clarified that Moitra would inform the police about the dates of her proposed visits so that the necessary deployment could be arranged.
The protection will remain in force for 30 days, following which the State has been directed to place a further report before the Court.
The matter has been directed to be listed on October 1.
“Two police personnel be deployed with the petitioner whenever she enters her constituency to avoid harassment,” the Court ordered.
