Legal Proceedings – Supreme Court Declines Mahua Moitra Plea Against Police Appearance
Legal Proceedings – The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra’s challenge to a Calcutta High Court direction requiring her to appear before the police in connection with a criminal case. The plea centred on her request to participate in questioning virtually instead of appearing personally before the investigating officer.
Supreme Court Questions Virtual Appearance Request
A bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu questioned the basis of Moitra’s concern over appearing before the police. Her counsel, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, argued that the MP should be permitted to join the proceedings through video conferencing.
The bench, however, expressed little sympathy for the request. During the hearing, the judges questioned why a public representative should be apprehensive about appearing in person, referring to the sacrifices made by freedom fighters who faced much greater dangers.
The court observed that such a request did not warrant its intervention and indicated that it was not inclined to modify the High Court’s direction.
Lawyer Refers to Earlier Incidents
Moitra’s lawyer told the Supreme Court that the police notice required her to report to a police station located in her constituency. He also referred to incidents during some of her earlier visits, including occasions when eggs were allegedly thrown at her.
The submission was made to explain why Moitra had sought permission to appear virtually before the investigating officer. Her counsel also maintained that she had a legal entitlement to request a virtual appearance during the investigation.
The Supreme Court, however, did not accept the argument as sufficient grounds to interfere with the Calcutta High Court’s order.
Plea Withdrawn After Court’s Response
Following the observations from the bench, Moitra’s counsel chose to withdraw the petition. The Supreme Court subsequently dismissed the matter as withdrawn, leaving the High Court’s direction in place.
The proceedings relate to a case registered at Hogolberia police station in Nadia district. The matter involves allegations connected with a speech described in the case as a hate speech complaint.
High Court Had Granted Interim Protection
Earlier, the Calcutta High Court had extended Moitra’s interim protection from coercive action until October 5 in the same matter. While granting the relief, Justice Saugata Bhattacharya made it clear that the protection did not exempt the MP from cooperating with the investigation.
The High Court directed Moitra to appear before the investigating officer on August 14 for questioning and to assist the police in the ongoing probe.
Supreme Court Acts on River Pollution in Rajasthan
In another matter heard by the Supreme Court on Friday, the court directed the Rajasthan government to establish an “Integrated Coordination Group” within one week to address pollution affecting rivers in the state.
The group will be headed by the Rajasthan chief secretary and will focus on contamination concerns involving the Jojari, Bandi and Luni rivers.
The directions were issued during the hearing of a suo motu case concerning pollution in the Jojari river. The Supreme Court had also taken note of contamination affecting the Bandi and Luni river systems and sought coordinated action from the state authorities.